Analysis of photostimulable phosphor plate image artifacts in an oral and maxillofacial radiology department.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze image artifact types and occurrence frequency when using a phosphor storage plate (PSP) digital radiographic system. STUDY DESIGN: A total of 15,912 scanned digital images were evaluated by 3 observers, and image artifacts were classified into: 1) operator errors; 2) scanning errors; 3) PSP plate defects. To avoid damage to the sensor plate, a modification technique innovated by Roberts and Mol was used where needed and 2 double-sided pieces of tape were placed around the sensor plate covering. RESULTS: A total of 643 image artifacts were identified. The main image artifact cause was operator error (n = 554), followed by defects of plate (n = 60) and scanning (n = 29). Scanning errors could generally be corrected by rescanning, but most other artifacts required image retaking. The use of a modified clinical technique greatly reduced artifacts caused by wearing of the sensor plate (20%). CONCLUSIONS: Modified methods to decrease the occurrence of image artifacts using PSP digital radiographic system are encouraged.

An aiming device for an extraoral radiographic technique.

To assist certain patient populations who are unable to tolerate intraoral films and/or sensors during endodontic therapy, an alternative technique (extraoral film placement) has been innovated by Newman and Friedman (2003). In this study, we devise and test a film/sensor-beam alignment aiming device for taking a periapical radiograph using this extraoral radiographic technique. An instrument is assembled from the following components: (1) two locator rings for bite-wing radiography, (2) two metal supporting indicator rods for bite-wing radiography, (3) a bite block for horizontal bite-wing radiography, and (4) a rubber tube of about 2 cm in length. Using our newly-devised aiming device to take periapical radiographs using the extraoral technique, appropriate images of the left upper and right lower molar areas for a series of 12 adult volunteers were successfully obtained. Angulation of the x-ray cone, with reference to the horizontal plane, was -20 degrees to -30 degrees and -10 degrees to -15 degrees for the upper and lower teeth, respectively. This study therefore shows that appropriate images can be easily obtained using this aiming device.