Comparison of computer-generated, enhanced and conventional 2-dimensional radiographic imaging.

Introduction: Technological advances have attempted to improve the standard of traditional x-ray imaging. ImageIQ software (LumenIQ, Bellingham, Wash) enhances conventional radiography by producing a computer-generated, enhanced 2-dimensional (2D) image, adding depth and detail. The software converts the scales of gray to topographic height values, which are easier for the eye to see. The purpose of this study was to determine whether the enhanced 2D renderings are as sensitive as traditional 2D radiographs for detecting periodontal defects in cadaver mandibles.

Methods: Periodontal defects were located and classified on 20 cadaver mandibles. These defects were radiographed, and computer-generated, enhanced 2D topographic renderings were made with ImageIQ software. A panel of evaluators was shown the 2D radiographs and the enhanced 2D renderings in random order. The evaluators classified the defects from these images.

Results: Significantly better agreement by the evaluators with the intrasurgical classification was found with the enhanced 2D rendering to view periodontal defects vs the traditional 2D x-ray. Enhanced 2D renderings improved the accuracy of radiographic periodontal defect classification by 14.3% over traditional 2D radiographs.

Conclusions: Computer generated, enhanced 2D renderings of conventional radiographs might provide a reliable diagnostic alternative to conventional 2D radiographs when attempting to classify periodontal defects.