The use of smartphones in radiographic diagnosis: accuracy on the detection of marginal gaps

Abstract

Objective

To compare the accuracy of computer monitor and smartphone screen for radiographic diagnosis of marginal gap.

Materials and methods

Forty teeth with mesial-occlusal-distal inlays (each tooth with a perfect fit and a 0.4-mm marginal gap restoration) were imaged with a phosphor plate system. Original digital radiographs were exported and analyzed with two different methods: computer monitor and smartphone screen; for the last method, images were shared with WhatsApp. Three examiners assessed all radiographs (n = 160) for the presence of marginal gap by using a dichotomous scale (yes/no). Diagnostic performance of each examiner and viewing method was evaluated by means of sensitivity (Se), specificity (Sp), and overall accuracy (Ac). Difference between the frequencies of gap detection of each method was analyzed using the McNemar test. Intra- and inter-examiner agreements were calculated using kappa statistics.

Results

Intra- and inter-examiner agreements were ≥ 0.80 for both methods. Similar diagnostic performance was found for computer monitor (Se = 0.87–1; Sp = 0.8–0.97; Ac = 0.84–0.99) and smartphone (Se = 0.77–1; Sp = 0.87–1; Ac = 0.88–0.95) viewing methods. No statistically significant differences in the frequency of gap detection were observed between the methods (P > 0.05).

Conclusion

Diagnostic accuracy of smartphone screens was similar to that of computer monitor for marginal gap detection.

Clinical relevance

Smartphones are becoming a common daily tool. In this sense, it might be an important new aid in Dentistry, including radiographic evaluation, which could benefit patients and dentists.

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