Comparative Evaluation Of Performance Of Image Processing Using Reverse Contrast And Sharpen Filters In Indirect Digital Radiography (Psp) For Diagnosis Of Furcation Involvement Grade I & Ii (In Vitro Study)

Background and Objectives: Most of the digital imaging systems have various image processing techniques. The purpose of this in vitro study was evaluation and comparison in the performance of reverse contrast and sharpens software in indirect digital radiography images (PSP) for detecting tooth furcation involvements (grade I and II). Materials and Methods: 41 extracted first and second mandibular molars were mounted and periapical indirect digital radiographies (PSP) were prepared, then they aggregate in three groups: 1. Control group 2. Simulation of furcation involvement grades I and 3. Simulation of furcation involvement grade II. Then digital software Inversion and sharpening filters was applied on the radiographs. Two observers evaluated the images and rated them from 0 to 2 (0=no furcation involvement, 1=grade I, 2=grade II). Specificity and sensitivity for each image group were calculated. Results: The sensitivity of observers for recognizing furcation involvement in PSP radiographs without any image processing were 53/7%, 70/7% respectively whereas the values for reverse contrast filtered images were 46/3%, 73/2% respectively and also about applying Sharpen Filter on PSP radiographs were 39%, 82/9% respectively, which showed the sensitivity of detection in the three groups was distinct but there was no statistical difference. The specificity of unprocessed Radiographs (63/4%) was less than reverse contrast filtered (75/6%) and sharpening filtered images (82/9%) but the significant difference was seen just in sharpen filtered images group. Conclusions: Application of filters, reverse contrast and sharpen, in digital radiography does not make progress in detecting furcation involvement.