January 1999, Volume 28, Issue 1, Pages 26 – 30

Original Article

Performance of film, desktop monitor and laptop displays in caries detection JB Ludlow1,3 & M Abreu Jr1,2 1Department of Diagnostic Sciences and General Dentistry, University of North Carolina School of Dentistry, North Carolina, USA     2Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianopolis, SC, Brasil     3Author for correspondence: Department of Diagnostic Sciences and General Dentistry, University of North Carolina School of Dentistry, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7450, USA

Keywords

radiography, dental;   digital radiography, dental;   caries;   ROC curve

Abstract

Objectives: To compare film, desktop monitor and laptop displays of digitized film images for accuracy of caries detection. Methods: Sixty-four extracted teeth were mounted in eight models and radiographed with E-speed bitewing film. Films were digitized and displayed on a desktop monitor and a laptop display. Six observers scored the presence or absence of enamel and dentinal caries for each proximal surface for film, desktop and laptop displays. Results were compared with the histology of ground sections. ROC curve areas for each display mode and observer were assessed for significant differences with ANOVA. Results: Diagnostic accuracy for proximal surface caries detection was not significantly different for conventional film or desktop monitor and laptop displays for detection of enamel caries (P=0.9112) or dentin caries (P=0.2796). Conclusions: Current laptop active matrix liquid crystal displays provide diagnostic quality for caries detection comparable with conventional film and desktop monitor displays.

Received 21 May 1998; Accepted 14 September 1998

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