RESUMEN
Approximal caries is detected by clinical examination supplemented by bite wing radiography. In vitro comparison of diagnostic accuracy in detecting approximal caries of two dental X-ray films named as Kodak Ektaspeed and Agfa Dentus M2. In an experimental study, sixty-four unrestored extracted premolar and molar with approximal caries were arranged in a way to simulate a bite wing examination followed by radiography under standardized condition using Dentus M2 [Agfa-Gevaert] and Ektaspeed [Kodak Eastman]. The films were processed automatically. Three observers assessed radiographs using the following rating measures: R[0]=sound R[1]= enamel lesion R[2]= lesion reaching the dentioenamel junction R3= dentinal lesion. True caries depth was determined by histological examination. True caries depth was compared using the values given by observers and further an analysis of kappa was performed. The null hypothesis was rejected when p<0.001. The interobservers agreement on two films was high and revealed no significant disagreement [p<0.001]. Kappa value was 0.52 to 0.62. This value corresponded with moderate to high strength of agreement. There was no significant difference between two films and the standard [p>0.001]. Both films produced similar results in terms of diagnostic accuracy for approximal caries