Comparison of accuracy of determining the distance between alveolar crest and cementoenamel junction in digital radiography with Scanora and DentalEye software programs

Abstract

Aim: To compare the accuracy of determining the distance between alveolar crest and cementoenamel junction (CEJ) in digital radiography with two image processing software programs. Materials and methods: In this in vitro study, 63 sites in a dried human mandible underwent digital periapical radiography. The distance from the alveolar crest to the CEJ was calculated using DentalEye and Scanora software programs and compared with the standard mode (measured on the skull). Statistical analysis was performed with analysis of variance (ANOVA) and paired t-test using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) 23 at α = 0.05. Results: There were significant differences in the distances between CEJ and the alveolar crest at the mesial surfaces as measured by the three techniques in standard mode, using DentalEye and Scanora (p-value ≤ 0.03) softwares; however, there were no significant differences between the results on distal surfaces (p-value = 0.248). Conclusion: Under the limitations of the present study, the measurements made to determine the distance from the CEJ to the alveolar crest with DentalEye and Scanora, relative to each other, and relative to the standard mode, were accurate only on distal surfaces of teeth. Clinical significance: Digital dental software programs are useful assets that can enhance the diagnosing ability and reduce the need of taking extra images.