A comparison of perceived diagnostic image quality in direct digital panoramic images between standard and advanced external GOP image processing.

Objective: The objective of the present study was to study the effect of adaptive image processing (GOP processing) on the visibility of anatomical structures in direct digital panoramic images. Material and methods: The study comprised panoramic images of 50 consecutive adult individuals aged 18-60 years. Nine dentists working with dental radiology compared the structural image quality of all standard-processed and GOP-processed panoramic images for six anatomical structures, using a six-point scale for visual grading characteristics analysis. Results: For all anatomic structures a statistically significant difference in favour of the GOP was found. Conclusions: The present study shows that it is possible to improve perceived diagnostic image quality of direct digital panoramic radiography using GOP technology compared to the manufacturers' standard processing. Manufacturers' image-processing programs can be further developed, as there is a possibility of improving the perceived diagnostic content of an image with external processing.

Can adaptive post-processing of storage phosphor plate panoramic radiographs provide better image quality? A comparison of anatomical image quality of panoramic radiographs before and after adaptive processing.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of the present study was to study the effect of adaptive image processing on the visibility of anatomical structures in storage phosphor plate (SPP) panoramic images. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Three hundred SPP panoramic X-ray radiographs of children and adolescents were used. The radiographs were post-processed using general operator processor (GOP) technology, resulting in both a standard-processed and a GOP-processed radiograph. Four specialists in dental radiology compared the structural image quality of all standard-processed and GOP-processed panorama images for six anatomical structures, using a six-point scale for visual grading characteristics (VGC) analysis. RESULTS: For three of the anatomic structures - the root canal space of the mandibular left first premolar, mandibular canal left side and periodontal ligament space of the mandibular right first molar - there was a statistically significant difference to the GOP's advantage. For the three remaining structures - dentino-enamel junction of the maxillary right first molar, crista alveolaris of the mandibular left molar area and floor of maxillary sinus right side - no significant difference between standard processing and GOP processing was obtained. CONCLUSIONS: The study demonstrates that it is possible to improve the quality of SPP radiographs and the visibility of anatomical structures by using the GOP technique. Manufacturers' image-processing programs can be further developed, as there is a possibility of improving the diagnostic content of an image with external processing.

Dentists' use of digital radiographic techniques: Part II - extraoral radiography: a questionnaire study of Swedish dentists.

OBJECTIVE: The present study aims to gain knowledge about the dentist's use and choice of digital extraoral imaging methods, panoramic radiography and cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A questionnaire sent to 2481 dentists within the Swedish Dental Society contained questions about the panoramic technique and CBCT technique used, education, clinic size and type of service. The response rate was 53%. RESULTS: The study showed that 61% of the Swedish dentists had access to panoramic techniques and that 84% used a direct digital sensor, while 6% used storage phosphor plate techniques. Around 8% of the Swedish dentists had access to CBCT. It was also observed that group practices had two times higher odds of having panoramic equipment compared with solo practices. Approximately 40% of the dentists had undergone postgraduate education in oral radiology during the last 5 years. Dental nurses and dental hygienists exposed 92% of the panoramic radiographs and 75% of the CBCTs. Thirty per cent of those clinics with access to a panoramic unit exposed >30 panoramic radiographs per month and 56% of the clinics having access to CBCT did more than 75 examinations per year. CONCLUSIONS: Today 61% of Swedish dentists have access to panoramic radiography and 8% have access to CBCT. There is a greater likelihood of having access if the dentist works in the public dental health service or in a group practice and if the dentist has undergone any postgraduate course in oral radiology.

Dentists' use of digital radiographic techniques: Part I - intraoral X-ray: a questionnaire study of Swedish dentists.

OBJECTIVE: The present study aims to gain knowledge about the dentist's use and choice of digital intraoral imaging methods. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A questionnaire sent to 2481 dentists within the Swedish Dental Society contained questions about the type of X-ray technique used, problems experienced with digital radiography, and reasons for choosing digital technology, and about indications, clinic size and type of service. Response rate was 53%. RESULTS: Ninety-eight percent of the dentists had made the transition to digital radiography; only 2% used film technique, and solid-state detector (SSD) was the most used digital technique. More years in service decreases the likelihood of applying individual indications for performing a full mouth examination. More retakes were done with SSDs compared to storage phosphor plates. Reasons for choosing digital techniques were that work was easier and communication with the patients improved. However, dentists also experienced problems with digital techniques, such as exposure and projection errors and inadequate image quality. The Swedish Radiation Safety Authority states that all radiological examinations should be justified, something not always followed. CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that 98% of the respondents, Swedish dentists within the Swedish Dental Society, used digital techniques, and the most used was the solid-state technique.