Methods: This in vitro study was performed on 80 extracted human sound premolars. Artificial external root resorption were simulated using 0.8 mm, 1 mm, 1.2 mm, and 1.4 mm diameter round burs by drilling to the entire depth at apical half of the mesial, distal, and buccal surface. Two dosages of radiography were used (0.16 and 0.08 second in the conventional radiography, 0.08 and 0.04 in the digital radiography).Three observers (one radiologist and two endodontists) examined the images. Data were statistically analyzed by SPSS 17 software.
Results: Higher proportion of correct reading were obtained with the CCD receptor (P=0.39). The best results were obtained when surfaces were without resorption (P=0.001).The observers detected more cases with increasing the dose of radiography and the size of cavity.
Conclusions: The CCD sensor was better than conventional intraoral film radiography and conventional radiography is better than PSP sensor in detecting external root resorption, although, there is no significant difference.