Patient discomfort and retakes in periapical examination of mandibular third molars using digital receptors and film.

Objective: The aim was to compare patient discomfort and evaluate the frequency of retakes using intraoral digital receptors and conventional film for radiographic examination of mandibular third molars.

Study Design: Both mandibular third molar regions were examined in 110 patients with 2 of 5 digital intraoral receptors. Discomfort was scored on a visual analog scale (VAS) for each receptor and for film as a reference. If the whole tooth was not imaged on the digital image, a retake was performed using film. t Tests evaluated differences in VAS score, chi-squared tests evaluated differences in frequency of remakes, and logistic regression analyses evaluated factors predisposing for retake.

Results: No significant difference existed in VAS scores between right and left sides for film (P = .24). The digital receptors were more uncomfortable than film (P < .001), and CDR-APS was more uncomfortable than Digora (P = .049) and Vista (P = .002). The frequency of retakes was higher for solid-state sensors than photostimulable phosphor plates (PSPs) (P < .018). Gender (P = .022), type of receptor (P < .021), and VAS score (P = .001) were predisposing factors for a retake.

Conclusion: Patients accepted film better than digital intraoral receptors, and retake frequency was lower for PSPs compared with solid-state sensors.