The sensitometric evaluation of dental radiographic film

A sensitometric comparison of Kodak Ektavision and Fuji Super HR-S panoramic radiographic films

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this study was to compare the combination of Ektavision film and Ektavision intensifying screen with the combination Super HR-S panoramic radiographic film and HR-4 intensifying screen with respect to sensitometric properties and the visualization of anatomic structures.

METHODS

The density response and resolution of both panoramic radiographic film/intensifying screen combinations were evaluated through use of the generated characteristic curves and the modulation transfer function. The diagnostic clarity was evaluated by five oral and maxillofacial radiologists who used a rating scale to evaluate the image clarity of selected anatomic structures.

RESULTS

The film speed and radiographic contrast, respectively, were 1.3 and 1.2 times higher for Ektavision than for Super HR-S. The image resolution with Ektavision was similar to that with Super HR-S. Ektavision was perceived to provide clearer images of the selected anatomic details than did Super HR-S.

CONCLUSION

With respect to the clarity of anatomic structures, Ektavision film, with its higher speed and higher contrast, proved superior to Super HR-S film.

Base and fog densities of fresh Ektaspeed Plus dental X-ray films

Previous findings with regard to base and fog density of Ektaspeed Plus dental X-ray films have shown increased values compared with Ektaspeed and Ultra-Speed films, but the results are contradictory. The purpose of the present study was to measure base density, using 10 different fixing solutions, and fog density, using 10 different developing solutions at temperatures varying from 16 to 30 degrees C. The 10 developers tested were intended for manual (three), semiautomatic (three), and automatic (four) processing. Base densities were nearly identical for all fixing products (range, 0.190-0.192). One group of six developers showed quite stable fog values for all temperatures (range, 0.190-0.259), whereas another group (four developers) showed increased values at increasing temperatures (range, 0.395-0.438 at 30 degrees C). It is concluded that base density is within the limits of ISO standards for most fixing products but that some developers result in fog densities that are above ISO standard limits at high temperatures.

An in vitro comparison of 10 radiographic methods for working length estimation

The aim of this in vitro study was to assess the efficacy of 10 currently available methods of producing radiographic images, two conventional and eight rapid, in working length estimation. Thirty extracted teeth comprising 42 root canals were mounted in blocks of poly(methylmethacrylate) and access cavities prepared. A size 15 Hedstrom file was inserted into each root canal and sealed into position. Each tooth was imaged by 10 methods: combinations of conventional (D- and E- speed) film processed with conventional manual chemistry of two proprietary brands of rapid processing chemistry (Westone Rapid Dental and Kodak 'Rapid Access'), Super X30 packet processed film, Hanshin Hi-Fi and Nix NF45-100 films processed using their respective manufacturers' monobath solutions, and the Sens-A-Ray digital X-ray system. Comparisons of length of file visible were made between the D-speed films (conventionally processed using Kodak chemistry) and the nine other radiographic methods. No significant differences in percentage length of file seen were found between D-speed film processed with conventional chemistry and E-speed film processed with the same chemistry or between D-speed film processed with with conventional chemistry and six of the rapid imaging systems studied. The percentage length of the file visible was significantly less for Sens-A-Ray (P=0.02) and for Nix NF45-100 film (P<0.005) when compared with D-speed film processed with conventional chemistry. This difference in file length is probably not of clinical importance for the Sens-A-Ray images but may be so for the Nix images.

A sensitometric comparison of Fuji Super HR-G and Kodak T-mat G panoramic films

Film contrast, relative speed, and resolution of Fuji Super HR-G panoramic film were determined according to specifications of the American National Standards Institute and compared with those of Kodak T-mat G panoramic film. The films were simultaneously exposed by Kodak Lanex regular intensifying screens with time-scale sensitometry. Optical density was read with a digital densitometer, and characteristic curves were plotted and analyzed by polynomial and linear regression. The average gradients of the linear regression curves between 0.25 and 2.00 optical density units above base plus fog were taken as contrast (HR-G: 1.831, T-mat G: 1.712). Relative speed, when exposed with Lanex regular intensifying screens and calculated at 1.00 optical density unit above base plus fog, was 412 for HR-G. A speed of 400 was chosen for T-mat G to match Kodak consumer information. Resolution for both films was similar. These findings suggest that Fuji Super HR-G panoramic film develops similar contrast, speed, and resolution to Kodak T-mat G panoramic film.

Use of 'rapid' processing techniques by a sample of British dentists

Knowledge of current practices amongst general dental practitioners (GDPs) is important in planning postgraduate and undergraduate teaching curricula and in ensuring the relevance of clinical research. A number of methods are available to dentists for the rapid production of intraoral radiographic images, including concentrated and monobath chemistry. No current data exists about the use of such 'rapid' systems in the UK. The aim of this study was to obtain this data, including the relative popularity of the different systems. A questionnaire on 'rapid' processing of radiographs was distributed to all 855 GDPs in four Family Health Services Authorities in North West England. Responses were received from 326 GDPs (38.1%). 29.4% of GDPs used some kind of 'rapid' system, with 'packet processed' films being the most popular. 6.1% of all GDPs used 'rapid' systems routinely, while the remainder used them for specific situations, typically emergencies and endodontics.

Parameters affecting radiographic contrast

Kilovoltage, in most cases a variable readily controlled by the operator, and half-value layer have come to be regarded as factors defining image contrast. This has led to the assumption that comparable levels of image contrast may be obtained using X-ray units operated at the same kilovoltage and with the same half-value layer. To ascertain the validity of this view X-ray beams generated by seven X-ray units were compared with each other and with those from a Gendex Model 1000 operated at the same kilovoltage. The basis for comparison was the level of image contrast the X-ray beams were capable of producing after passage through selected thicknesses of aluminium absorber. While results showed no correlation between the nominal (stated) operating kilovoltage of any X-ray generator studied and the level of image contrast produced, a correlation (-0.98) was found between the measured half-value layer and image contrast when the units tested were compared with the Model 1000. This information should significantly affect the criteria used for the selection and/or operation of X-ray generators.

Characteristic curves of dental x-ray film

The characteristic curves of the dental x-ray films Ultra-Speed, Ekta-Speed, Defilux, Dentus, and Phil-X30, all of which are used in Finland, and the absorption of radiation in the films with their protective wrappers were determined at the x-ray laboratory of the Institute of Radiation Protection. The most sensitive film (Ekta-Speed) was found to be almost three times more sensitive than the least sensitive film (Defilux). In the usable optical density range, the gradient of the characteristic curve obtained with the three most sensitive film types--Ekta-Speed, Dentus and Ultra-Speed--was roughly the same, whereas Phil-X30 was far more gentle. All film types gave a resolution better than 10 lp/mm. The grain size used in the most sensitive film was slightly larger than that used in the less sensitive films. The films provided with lead backing foil transmitted 10% to 20% of the radiation, whereas the film type without lead backing foil (Phil-X30) transmitted 70% to 80%.

Evaluation of new radiographic screens for intraoral radiography

The ability of screen-films to depict dental structures utilizing the parameters used in intraoral radiography is investigated. The resolution and contrast of a variety of screen-film combinations are determined. Radiographs made on a phantom and patient are evaluated by observers. Some film-screen combinations produce radiographs with qualities similar to conventional intraoral films and with less radiation.