• Journal of Korean Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology
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• v.27 no.1
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• pp.55-71
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• 1997

Digora/sup (R)/ an intraoral digital radiography system utilizing image plate (IP) - has a dynamic range of exposure time which allows it to decrease the patient's exposure time and to increase diagnostic ability through image processing, transmission and storage. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the Digora/sup (R)/ system by assessing the effects of various exposure times on the detectability on the tip of the endodontic file. Examining the root canals of 45 extracted sound premolars, K -files No. 10, 15, and 20 were placed at slightly varying distances from the apex. The teeth were glued onto resin-plaster blocks. Five exposure times varying between 0.01 seconds and 0.25 seconds were used. Four observers were asked to measure the distance between the tip of the file and a reduction of crown portion, and obtained mean errors (subtracting true file length from the measured file length), comparing Digora/sup (R)/ monitors with E-plus films, which were both obtained under the same geometrical positions. The results were as follows : 1. Comparing E-plus film with Digora/sup (R)/ at 0.01 seconds, the mean errors in E-plus film showed -4.453 nun, -4.497 nun, and -3.857 nun, while the mean errors in Digora/sup (R)/ showed 0.065 nun, 0.607 nun, and 0.719 mm according to the file groups. Therefore there was a significant difference between E-plus film and Digora/sup (R)/(p<0.05). 2. By comparison of mean errors according to the various exposure times in the Digora/sup (R)/ system, the mean error at 0.01 seconds was significantly lower than that at 0.12 and 0.25 seconds in the No. 10 file group(p<0.05). And the standard deviation was the highest at 0.01 seconds. 3. Comparing E-plus film at 0.25 seconds with the Digora/sup (R)/ system, the mean errors showed a significant difference between E-plus film at 0.25 seconds and the Digora/sup (R)/ system at 0.25 seconds in No. 10 and 20 file groups(p<0.05). 4. Comparing E -plus film at 0.25 seconds with other exposure times, the mean errors showed a significant difference between E-plus film at 0.25 seconds and E-plus film at 0 .. 01 and 0.03 seconds in 10 file group(p<0.05). In the No. 15 and 20 file groups, there was a significant difference between E-plus film at 0.25 seconds and E-plus film at 0.01 seconds(p<0.05). In conclusion, Digora/sup (R)/ was better than E-plus film in detectability on the tip of the file at the exposure time of 0.01 seconds in all file groups. And we concluded that Digora/sup (R)/ can shorten exposure times up to 4％ of 0.25 seconds (0.01 sec), which is adequate exposure time for premolar in E-plus film using No. 15 and 20 files.

• Journal of Korean Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology
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• v.28 no.2
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• pp.435-459
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• 1998

In order to achieve a successful endodontic treatment, root canals must be obturated three-dimensionally without causing any damage to apical tissues. Accurate length determination of the root canal is critical in this case. For this reason, I've used the conventional periapical radiography, Digora/sup (R)/(digital imaging system) and Root ZX/sup (R)/(the frequency dependent type apex locator) to measure the length of the canal and compare it with the true length obtained by cutting the tooth in half and measuring the length between the occlusal surface and the apical foramen. From the information obtained by these measurements, I was able to evaluate the accuracy and clinical usefulness of each systems. whether the thickness of files used in endodontic therapy has any effect on the measuring systems was also evaluated in an effort to simplify the treatment planning phase of endodontic treatment. 29 canals of 29 sound premolars were measured with #15, #20, #25 files by 3 different dentists each using the periapical radiography. Digora/sup (R)/ and Root ZX/sup (R)/. The measurements were then compared with the true length. The results were as follows: 1. In comparing mean discrepancies between measurements obtained by using periapical radiography(mean error: -0.449±0.444 mm), Digora/sup (R)/(mean error: -0.417±0.415 mm) and Root ZX/sup (R)/(mean error: 0.123±0.458 mm) with true length. periapical radiography and Digora/sup (R)/ system had statistically significant differences(p<0.05) in most cases while Root ZX/sup (R)/ showed none(p>0.05). 2. By subtracting values obtained by using periapical radiography, Digora/sup (R)/ and Root ZX/sup (R)/ from the true length and making a distribution table of their absolute values. the following analysis was possible. In the case of periapical film. 140 out of 261<53.6％) were clinically acceptable satisfying the margin of error of less than 0.5 mm. 151 out of 261 (53,6％) were acceptable in the Digora/sup (R)/ system while Root ZX/sup (R)/ had 197 out of 261(75.5％) within the limits of 0.5mm margin of error. 3. In determining whether the thickness of files has any effect on measuring methoths, no statistically significant differences were found(p>0.05). 4. In comparing data obtained from these methods in order to evaluate the difference among measuring methods, there was no statistically significant difference between periapical radiography and Digora/sup (R)/ system(p>0.05), but there was statistically significant difference between Root ZX/sup (R)/ and periapical radiography(p<0.05). Also there was statistically significant difference between Root ZX/sup (R)/ and Digora/sup (R)/ system(p<0.05). In conclusion, Root ZX/sup (R)/ was more accurate when compared with the Digora/sup (R)/ system and periapical radiography and seems to be more effective clinically in determining root canal length. But Root ZX/sup (R)/ has its limits in determining root morphology and number of roots and its accuracy becomes questionable when apical foramen is open due to unknown reasons. Therefore the combined use of Root ZX/sup (R)/ and the periapical radiography are mandatory. Digora/sup (R)/ system seems to be more effective when periapical radiographs are needed in a short period of time because of its short processing time and less exposure.

• Journal of Korean Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology
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• v.28 no.2
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• pp.471-489
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• 1998

For the successful endodontic treatment, root canal should be cleaned thoroughly by accurate mechanical and chemical canal preparation and sealed completely with canal filling material without damaging the periapical tissues. The accuracy of the root canal length measurement is a prerequisite for the success of the endodontic treatment, and the root canal length is often determined by the standard periapical radiographs and digital tactile sense. In this study, the accuracy and the clinical usefulness of Digora/sup (R)/, an intraoral digital imaging processor and the conventional standard radiographs were compared by measuring the length from the top of the file to the root apex. 30 single rooted premolars were invested in a uniformly sized blocks and No.25 K-file was inserted into and fixed in each canal. Each block was placed in equal distance and position to satisfy the principle of the bisecting angle and paralleling techniques and Digora/sup (R)/ system's image and standard periapical radiographs were taken. Each radiograph was examined by 3 different observers by measuring the length from top of the file to the root apex and each data was compared and analyzed. The results were as follows; 1. In the bisecting angle technique, the average difference between the Digora/sup (R)/ system and standard periapical radiograph was 0.002 mm and the standard deviation was 0.341 mm which showed no statistically significant difference between the two systems(p>0.05). Also, in the paralleling technique, the average difference between these two system was 0.007 mm and the standard deviation was 0.323 mm which showed no statistically significant difference between the two systems(p>0.05). 2. In Digora/sup (R)/ system, the average difference between the bisecting angle and paralleling technique was -0.336 mm and the standard deviation was 0.472 mm which showed a statistically significant difference between the two techniques(p<0.05). Also, in the standard periapical radiographs, the average difference between the bisecting angle and paralleling technique was 0.328 mm and the standard deviation was 0.517 mm which showed a statistically significant difference between these two techniques(p<0.05). 3. In Digora/sup (R)/ system and the standard periapical radiographs. there was a statistically significant difference between the measurement using the bisecting angle technique and the actual length(p<0.05), But there was no statistically significant difference between the measurement using the paralleling technique and the actuallength(p>0.05). In conclusion. the determination of the root canal length by using the Digora/sup (R)/ system can give us as good an image as the standard periapical radiograph and using the paralleling technique instead of the bisecting angle technique can give a measurement closer to the actual canal length. thereby contributing to a successful result. Also. considering the advantages of the digital imaging processor such as decreasing the amount of exposure to the patient. immediate use of the image. magnification of image size. control of the contrast and brightness and the ability of storing the image can give us good reason to replace the standard periapical radiographs.

• Journal of Korean Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology
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• v.29 no.2
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• pp.397-405
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• 1999

Purpose: To clarify the usefulness and the limitation of Digora system/sup (R)/ by evaluating the physical characteristics as the quantitative image on Image Plate(Ip). Materials and Methods: Radiograms were taken by Heliodent MD(Siemens Co.. Germany) with the image plate for adult. Cu-step wedge as reference material. and three pieces of dry mandibular bone. Image analysis was performed by single color enhancement. density measurement with histogram. The relationship between the exposure conditions and the distribution of the pixel values of the image. the variation of pixel values of each step of Cu-step wedge at two different area and Cu-equivalent value of three pieces of dry mandibular bone measure by the conversion equation. Results: There was no linear relationship between the exposure condition and the average pixel value of the image. of which the distribution was not even. The pixel value differences between the center portion and the periphery were ranged from 60 to 70 in vertical plane and from 15 to 26 in horizontal plane. Two plot profile formed at two different areas of the Cu-step wedge were different. The measured Cu-equivalent values showed the discrepancy among the times of measurement. Conclusion: As above results. Image Plate(Ip) of Digora system/sup (R)/ showed the limitation as the quantitative image. The physical property of IP was expected to need to be compensated for the quantitative evaluation of the bone or others

• Journal of Korean Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology
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• v.29 no.1
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• pp.283-297
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• 1999

Purpose: To compare radiographic images of Digora/sup (R)/ system and Ektaspeed Plus film obtained from normal adults. Materials and methods: Storage phosphor plate(SPP) was placed in a film holder behind Ektaspeed Plus film package without lead foil. The effect of film on SPP was studied in a separate in vitro experiment. Forty-seven sets of images were prepared for the evaluaton. The regions of interest(ROI) for evaluation were designated at seven sites including normal anatomical structures. The image quality for each ROI was evaluated on enhanced and unenhanced storage phosphor(SP) images and Ektaspeed Plus film. Results: Two film-SPP configurations showed significantly different gray levels at each step of the aluminum step wedge(p<0.05). The contrasts were comparable. Enhanced SP images were significantly superior to unenhaned images and film in all anatomical sturctures(p<0.01). The differences between unenhanced SP images and film were significant(p<0.05) except root canal and cortical bone on alveolar crest. For anatomical items. there were statistically significant difference among five observers(p<0.05). Conclusions: The image quality of enhanced SP images were superior to Ektaspeed Plus film. and Digora system is potentially applicable to clinical diagnosis.

• Imaging Science in Dentistry
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• v.34 no.1
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• pp.1-5
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• 2004

Purpose: To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of occlusal and proximal caries detection using CCD, CMOS, PSP and film system. Materials and Methods : 32 occlusal and 30 proximal tooth surfaces were radiographed under standardized conditions using 3 digital systems; CCD (CDX-2000HQ, Biomedysis Co., Seoul, Korea), CMOS (Schick, Schick Inc., Long Island, USA), PSP (Digora/sup (R)/FMX, Orion Co./Soredex, Helsinki, Finland) and I film system (Kodak Insight, Eastman Kodak, Rochester, USA). 5 observers examined the radiographs for occlusal and proximal caries using a 5-point confidence scale. The presence of caries was validated histologically and radiographically. Diagnostic accuracy was evaluated using ROC curve areas (Az). Results: Analysis using ROC curves revealed the area under each curve which indicated a diagnostic accuracy. For occlusal caries, Kodak Insight film had an Az of 0.765, CCD one of 0.730, CMOS one of 0.742 and PSP one of 0.735. For proximal caries, Kodak Insight film had an Az of 0.833, CCD one of 0.832, CMOS one of 0.828 and PSP one of 0.868. No statistically significant difference was noted between any of the imaging modalities. Conclusion: CCD, CMOS, PSP and film performed equally well in the detection of occlusal and proximal dental caries. CCD, CMOS and PSP-based digital images provided a level of diagnostic performance comparable to Kodak Insight film.