Comparison of Xeroradiographs and Two Types of Film for Detecting Caries in Approximal Surfaces of Primary Teeth

Abstract

Xeroradiographs and conventional film were compared for their ability to reveal approximal surface caries in extract primary teeth. Ultraspeed film and xeroradiographs were found to be superior to Ektaspeed film for detecting approximal surface carious lesions. Observers failed to detect at least 25% of the carious lesions that were present (false negatives) and also considered approximately 21% of the intact surfaces to be carious (false positives). Lesions were detected with increasing accuracy as they penetrated further into the dentin.