Influence of interpretation conditions on the subjective differentiation of radiographic contrast of images obtained with a digital intraoral system

Publication date: Available online 9 January 2019

Source: Oral Surgery, Oral Medicine, Oral Pathology and Oral Radiology

Author(s): Carlos Augusto de Souza Lima, Deborah Queiroz Freitas, Glaucia Maria Bovi Ambrosano, Francisco Haiter-Neto, Matheus Lima Oliveira

Abstract

Objectives

To evaluate interpretation conditions in the subjective in vitro assessment of dental tissue-equivalent radiographic contrast.

Study design

Radiographic images with the density of dental structures were randomized and arranged in 20 sequences with images juxtaposed and separated. Twelve observers interpreted the sequence between the most radiolucent and radiopaque images with three displays, three horizontal viewing angles (HVA), and three ambient light conditions. The evaluation time was recorded. The hit percentage was calculated for each evaluation. Three-way ANOVA with Tukey tests compared the conditions of interpretation. The intraclass correlation coefficient assessed agreement (α=0.05).

Results

No differences in hit percentages were found between the three displays or between the juxtaposed and separated images. Increased hit percentages were recorded for images assessed at 90° compared to 45° for all displays, and in high ambient light versus intermediate and low light at 90°. Increased evaluation time was recorded for the consumer-grade display under high ambient light, and for the separated images.

Conclusions

The subjective in vitro assessment of dental tissue-equivalent radiographic contrast is not influenced by the computer display, which should be viewed at an HVA of 90° and under high ambient light. Longer evaluation times may be expected with consumer-grade displays.

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