Influence of automatic exposure compensation tool of digital radiographic systems on the diagnosis of periapical lesions in teeth restored with metal post.

OBJECTIVE

Automatic exposure compensation (AEC) in digital radiographic systems adjusts the greyscale values of the image to correct for underexposure or overexposure, ensuring consistent image brightness and contrast. High-density materials, such as metal posts, can trigger greyscale correction promoted by AEC, potentially influencing radiographic diagnosis. This study aimed to assess whether the enhancement of AEC in endodontically treated tooth restored with metal post affects the detection of simulated periapical lesions using different digital radiographic systems.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

The sample consisted of periapical radiographs of a tooth, with and without metal post, inserted into simulated dental sockets in 15 bovine ribs, without and with periapical lesions simulated using a mechanical-chemical method. Radiographs were obtained using a phosphor-storage plate system (KaVo eXam) and a sensor (RVG 5200). After acquisition, the images were exported, randomized, and independently evaluated by six observers, who scored the presence of periapical lesions on a 5-point scale. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC), accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity were calculated for each tested condition. Diagnostic values were compared using analysis of variance, setting the significance level at 5%.

RESULTS

Regardless of the presence of the metal post and the AEC enhancement, there was no statistically significant difference in diagnostic values (AUROC, accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity; p ≥ 0.05) for both digital radiographic systems.

CONCLUSIONS

Radiographic enhancement produced by AEC in the presence of a metal post does not impair the diagnosis of periapical lesions in the digital radiographic systems tested.