Shika Hoshasen

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Purpose: To assess the image quality of digital occlusal radiographic systems.
Materials and methods: Digital occlusal radiographic images were obtained using two kinds of photo-stimulable phosphor systems: Digora Optime II Comfort Occlusal and a VistaScan Mini. Imaging plates (IPs) were used for the Digora system in both vertical and horizontal orientations. Images acquired using the digital systems were compared with images acquired using Kodak Insight occlusal films. Occlusal radiographic images were taken using one dry skull. Exposure condition was set at 70kV, 7mA with 0.03, 0.06 and 0.12 seconds. At each exposure time and with each modality, three radiographic images were obtained. The clinical utility of each system was assessed, based on the visibility of the following four anatomical structures and pathologic conditions: (1) maxillary bone structure; (2) anatomical structures such as incisive canals and the median palatine suture; (3) alveolar bone, teeth, and apical regions; and (4) presence of impacted teeth. Four observers were asked to evaluate each image quality, using the following five point scale: 1 = unacceptable; 2 = poor; 3 = fair; 4 = good; and 5 = excellent. A one-way ANOVA and Tukey's test were used for statistical analyses.
Results and conclusions: The average and standard deviation for assessments obtained from film, the Digora system with vertical and horizontal IPs, and the VistaScan system, were 4.3 ± 0.59, 4.1 ± 1.01, 3.9 ± 0.66 and 4.2 ± 1.10, respectively. There were no statistically significant differences among the systems, but a statistically significant difference was seen for exposure times, namely, 0.03 second versus 0.06 or 0.12 second. None of the images obtained by the Digora system in conjunction with vertical IPs was rated as unacceptable. These results suggest that the digital systems tested are a viable alternative to an occlusal film system in terms of their clinical utility.

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