Reduction of radiations exposure in endodontics: comparative analysis of direct (GX S-700, Gendex) and semidirect (VistaScan Mini View, Dürr) digital systems.

The importance of intraoral periapical radiography is crucial as it represents a fundamental mean of evaluation and diagnosis for supporting bone and teeth hard tissues diseases and pathologies. Even though conventional film technology is still widespread, presently there are many digital radiography alternatives. Direct digital systems are devices with an intraoral sensor wired or paired wireless with a computer. These devices do generate an image immediately during exposure and acquisition. The semi direct digital systems instead are based on phosphor image plates. Digital radiography offers many chances to improve our patient's healthcare standards reducing exposition to X-rays and the related stochastic radiation risk. Aim of this study is to compare the quality of images for endodontic purposes comparing three systems: conventional films, direct digital radiography and semidirect digital radiography.