Effects of Three Soft Tissue-Mimicking Materials on Intraoral Radiography Density: A Comparison Using DIGORA for Windows

Recently, different materials in various thicknesses have been suggested for soft tissue replacement. The study intended to compare wax, acrylic, and tissue conditioner used for soft tissue replacement in oral and maxillofacial radiology. In this experimental study, 20 dry human mandibles were used. Each of these bones had at least two posterior teeth. Study materials-acrylic, dental wax, and tissue conditioner—were used to make 10×10 cm blocks with different thicknesses (5, 10, 15, and 20 mm) for soft tissue replacement. All blocks received similar exposure conditions. Data were analyzed in SPSS 22 using ANOVA and t-test. In enamel, the radiographic densities of wax, acrylic, and tissue conditioner with 20 mm thickness, wax and tissue conditioner with 15 mm thickness, and tissue conditioner with 10 mm thickness were significantly different from that of the control group (P<0.05). In Cementoenamel Junction (CEJ), all materials with a thickness of 20 mm, acrylic and tissue conditioners with a thickness of 15 mm, and tissue conditioners with 10 mm thickness had radiographic densities significantly different from the control group (P<0.05). In the alveolar crest, all materials with a thickness of 20 mm were significantly different from the control group in radiographic density (P<0.05). Finally, in dentin at furcation, all the study materials with 20 mm, 15 mm, and 10 mm thicknesses were significantly different from the control group (P <0.05). The type of tissue-mimicking material and also its thickness has an impact on the density of digital radiographs taken from dental and bone tissue.