Background and Objectives: Most of the digital imaging systems have various image processing techniques. The purpose of this in
vitro study was evaluation and comparison in the performance of reverse contrast and sharpens software in indirect digital
radiography images (PSP) for detecting tooth furcation involvements (grade I and II). Materials and Methods: 41 extracted first and
second mandibular molars were mounted and periapical indirect digital radiographies (PSP) were prepared, then they aggregate in
three groups: 1. Control group 2. Simulation of furcation involvement grades I and 3. Simulation of furcation involvement grade II.
Then digital software Inversion and sharpening filters was applied on the radiographs. Two observers evaluated the images and
rated them from 0 to 2 (0=no furcation involvement, 1=grade I, 2=grade II). Specificity and sensitivity for each image group were
calculated. Results: The sensitivity of observers for recognizing furcation involvement in PSP radiographs without any image
processing were 53/7%, 70/7% respectively whereas the values for reverse contrast filtered images were 46/3%, 73/2% respectively
and also about applying Sharpen Filter on PSP radiographs were 39%, 82/9% respectively, which showed the sensitivity of detection
in the three groups was distinct but there was no statistical difference. The specificity of unprocessed Radiographs (63/4%) was less
than reverse contrast filtered (75/6%) and sharpening filtered images (82/9%) but the significant difference was seen just in sharpen
filtered images group. Conclusions: Application of filters, reverse contrast and sharpen, in digital radiography does not make
progress in detecting furcation involvement.
Keywords: furcation involvement, indirect digital radiography (PSP), reverse contrast filter, Sharpen filter