The influence of digital processing in the accuracy of measurements in indirect digitalized intra-oral radiographic imaging.

FLESIA, JUAN GERMAN; FLESIA, ANA GEORGINA

The Forensic Oral Pathology Journal

Syllaba Press, Suite 722-4586, 1900 N. W. 97th Avenue, Doral, Florida 33172, USA

Lugar: Florida; Año: 2011 vol. 2 p. 20 - 24

2027-7628

Age estimation from digital dental radiographs is a non-destructive, simple method to obtain information that depends heavily on the accuracy of measurements made on the radiographs. Standard algorithms for digital image enhancement could potentially mislead age estimation techniques. The purpose of this study is to compare measurements made on digitized radiographic imaging of healthy dental elements, processed with different standard algorithms also available in digital X-ray systems. The algorithms are: Median filter, Mathematical Inversion and Histogram Equalization. The processing algorithms were chosen for their reported capability to enhance visual recognition of salient points, between each Euclidean Distance is measured. Measurements were made in radiographs of healthy first molars, from the medial cemento-enamel junction to the distal cemento-enamel junction of each dental piece, using the technique of salient points search. Comparisons between the four groups of measurements were made by means of a Friedman´s test, a non parametric blocked two way Anova. Following rejection at level 0.05, with a P-value of 0.0057, simultaneous comparisons were made conducting 6 two populations paired signed ranks test. Results showed no significant differences between unprocessed, inverted and filtered images. Histogram equalization provides all sources of differences.