Evaluation of the effects of processing delays and protective plastic cases on image quality of a photostimulable phosphor plate system

Abstract

This ex vivo study evaluated the quality of digital radiographic images obtained with the photostimulable phosphor plate system (Digora) according to the processing delay and maintenance of optical plates in either opaque (supplied with the system) or transparent protective plastic cases during this period. Five radiographs were obtained from the mandibular molar region of a dry human mandible using optical plates. These plates were placed in the protective plastic cases before obtaining the radiographs and were processed immediately or after processing delays of 5, 60 and 120 min, when the case was removed. The results revealed a reduction in image quality when processing was delay 120 min compared to the other times. The opaque case provided better protection to the sensor than the transparent case. In conclusion, a 120-min processing delay for the Digora system caused a reduction in image quality, yet without interfering with the quality of diagnosis. The opaque case supplied by the system's manufacturer provided better protection to the optical plate than the transparent case.

Comparison of the Delay in Processing Time and Protective Plastic Cases in Two Phosphor Plate Systems

“…There are few reports on this subject [2, 24]. Martins et al [24] believed that plates can be processed within 6 hours if stored in the appropriate cases.…”

The effect of delayed scanning of storage phosphor plates on occlusal caries detection

“…[6][7][8][9] Although the same SPP system was tested in many studies, the results with regard to the relationship between image quality loss and delay in scanning were contradictory. While some studies claimed a change in image quality within 30 min after exposure, others reported a change after a scan delay of up to 6 h. 10,11 Even though most of those studies measured pixel intensity along with subjective evaluations, they substantially focused on the perception of main dental structures.…”

The Effect of Delayed Scanning of Photostimulable Phosphor Plates on Inter-proximal Caries Detection

“…For instance, this error happens more in full mouth set of radiographs which have been taken in a crowded radiology center [2,4]. Several studies have stated that a delay in scanning the plates will cause effects that lower the quality of PSP images [8][9][10][11]. Although, the data regarding the effect of scanning delay time on quality of PSP images are varied [12][13][14], some studies (e.g.…”

“…Melo study) reported a reduction in quality during radiographic evaluation of endodontic files after 6 h delay [12][13][14]. Bramante reported reduction in quality of images evaluation of different parts of the tooth structure after a 120 min delay [10].…”

“…The effect of different scanning times on interproximal caries detection with PSP plates has been investigated in recent studies [8][9][10][11][12] but the different scanning delay time is not evaluated [13]. No studies regarding the evaluation of different scanning delay time with different kVps of DIGORA® PSP for inter-proximal caries detection have been done yet subjectively.…”