Does the addition of a lead foil to digital radiographic receptors influence image contrast and approximal caries lesions diagnosis?
Rocharles Cavalcante Fontenele, Yuri Nejaim, Amanda Farias Gomes, Hugo Gaêta‐Araujo, Francisco Haiter‐Neto, Deborah Queiroz Freitas
Abstract
Objectives: To access the influence of the addition of a lead foil to intraoral digital radiographic receptors on image contrast and approximal caries lesions diagnosis. Methods: 40 posterior teeth were distributed in silicone phantoms composed of two premolars, two molars and a non-test canine. Radiographic images of the phantoms were obtained with and without the incorporation of a lead foil, using the Digora Optime and Digora Toto systems. Four observers scored the images for the presence of caries lesions, using a 5-point scale. Images of an aluminum step wedge were acquired with and without the incorporation of a lead foil. Gray values and standard deviation of gray values were calculated in different thickness of the step wedge and, then, contrast variation was calculated. Results: Presence of a lead foil did not influence caries lesions diagnostic values, regardless of the type of digital system (p > 0.05). In general, the objective analysis was not influenced by the presence of a lead foil in any of the tested systems (p > 0.05). However, Digora Toto images showed greater gray values, lower standard deviation of gray values and lower contrast variation, regardless of the presence of the lead foil (p < 0.05). Conclusions: The addition of a lead foil to intraoral digital receptors did not influence image contrast nor caries lesions diagnosis.