ABSTRACT
Jaw bone defects are the origin of many complications for patients, and completebone healing has a special importance. Histological examination can be regarded as the [gold standard]. However, noninvasive diagnosis techniques are needed for clinical application. The aim of this study was to compare digital and conventional radiography for detection of bone healing. In this study, premolar teeth of 4 dogs were extracted. 5.5mm bone defect was created in each quadrant of the jaw bone Three months after healing of the extraction sites. Digital and conventional radiography was performed at 15, 30, 45 and 60 days after surgery. At every stage, bone specimens were removed and studied with histomorphometric procedures. At all stages, bone defect density was determined by conventional and digital radiography and compared with the percentage of bone formation determined by histomorphometry. The data were analyzed using descriptive analysis variance test for repeated data and paired t-test using SPSS software. At all stages, the differences between both radiographic methods and histomorphometry were statistically significant. At days 15 and 60, a statistically significant difference was seen between digital and conventional radiography. The differences between digital and conventional radiography at days 30 and 45 were not statistically significant. Digital radiography showed changes more clearly in the early stages of bone formation [day 15] and at later stages [day 60]