Detection of in vitro proximal caries in storage phosphor plate radiographs scanned with different resolutions

Objectives: To investigate the effect of the scanning resolution of storage phosphor plate (SPP) radiographs on the detection of proximal caries lesions. Methods: 10 dentists evaluated 72 proximal surfaces of premolars with respect to caries from SPP radiographs scanned with theoretical spatial resolutions of: (1) the Digora FMX at 7.8 lp mm−1; (2) the Digora Optime at both 7.8 lp mm−1 and 12.5 lp mm−1; and (3) the Durr VistaScan at 10 lp mm−1 and 20 lp mm−1, respectively. The lesions were validated by histological examination. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was employed. Results: The Az value for the radiographs scanned with the Durr VistaScan at 10 lp mm−1 is significantly lower than those for the other series of radiographs (P  =  0.000). Conclusions: For SPP radiographs, an increased theoretical spatial resolution per se is not related to an improved detection of proximal caries.