Análise comparativa entre dois sistemas digitais frente à radiopacidade de materiais dentários

Abstract

Digital image is a breakthrough in dental radiology characterized by being a quick and easy method of obtaining and evaluating of images. The aim of this study was to compare the semi-direct digital system (Digora Optime®) with the indirect digital system (CCD digital camera) in relation to radiopacity of dental materials indicated as base or liner. In addition, it was proposed to verify the influence of different exposure times and focus-film distances on the degree of radiopacity shown by these materials. A total of 10 specimens (4 X 2 mm) were made for each brand of restorative material employed (KetacTM Molar Easymix, Vidrion F, GC Fugi LiningTM LC, VitrebondTM, FiltekMR Z350 XT Flow and Tetric® N Flow), total of 60 specimens, by using an acrylic matrix. The specimens were radiographed together with an aluminum scale and cross-sections of teeth with 2 mm by both digital systems in four combinations of exposure time / different focus-film distances (0.12 s / 20 cm; 0.12 s /40 cm, 0.25 s /20 cm, 0.25 s /40 cm). The radiopacity of radiographed structures was measured using the tool “analyze histogram” on the software Image J. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and non-parametric tests: Wilcoxon, Mann- Whitney and Student’s t test. Only Vidrion F showed radiopacity lower than that of dentin and 2-mm cross-sections with statistically significant difference (p < 0.05) for all cases using the semi-direct digital system and for some cases using the indirect digital system. The radiopacity means for all materials studied were significantly higher (p <0.05) when the semi-direct digital system (Digora Optime®) was used. There was significant difference (p <0.05) in the radiopacity of the materials – except for Vidrion F – when exposure time and focus-film distance changed. It was concluded that the semi-direct digital system (Digora optime®) was more precise for measuring radiopacity compared to the indirect digital system. Thus, the semi-direct procedure is indicated to be used clinically as an auxiliary diagnostic method.