Quality of Radiograph of Third Molar Using XCP and Hemostat

Objectives: To compare the quality of periapical radiograph produced by XCP instrument and hemostat. Methods: Twenty-eight subjects with four third molars remained were radiographed using XCP instrument and hemostat each on one side by the same technician. Three dental radiologists examined the radiographs by the given criteria. The comparison between XCP instrument and hemostat was evaluated using c² test with ninety five percent confidence level. Results: In lower third molar radiographs show that the absence of the crown of the tooth, the absence of tooth apices, the obscured of tooth apices, the eccentric position of third molar in the radiograph using XCP instrument were higher than the hemostat significantly. In upper third molar radiographs showed that only the eccentric position of third molar in the radiograph using XCP instrument were higher than the hemostat significantly. Conclusions: Our results indicate that the hemostat could be useful for radiologic diagnostic, but the experience of the performer should be considered.