Definition, classification and retrospective analysis of photostimulable phosphor image artefacts and errors in intraoral dental radiography

Abstract

Objectives: To detect and determine image error and artefact types in intraoral radiographs obtained with photostimulable phosphor (PSP) technology, place them in an appropriate classification and retrospectively analyze the PSP-specific image errors and artefacts. The causes and solutions of PSP-specific errors and artefacts have also been discussed. Methods: The radiographic database of Ondokuz Mayis University, Faculty of Dentistry, Department of Dentomaxillofacial Radiology, was used for this study. Different types of image errors and artefacts observed on intraoral radiographs during 2014-15 were detected and defined. A total of 2100 intraoral radiographs were individually evaluated for the distribution of PSP-specific image artefacts. Results: There were 34 image error and artefact types detected and classified into 4 groups according to the causative factors. The most common PSP-specific image artefacts were found in fading with a ratio of 44.1% for the ambient light-related group, peeling of the plate borders with a ratio of 53.4% for the PSP plate-related group and straight line with a ratio of 42.2% for the scanner-related group. Conclusions: The determination and definition of the image errors and artefacts with clarification of their causes and solutions are important for the improvement of radiographic quality and the reduction of the retake ratio.

Determination and classification of intraoral phosphor storage plate artifacts and errors

“…This study found no conveyor belt peeling3 or tongue artifacts,7 excessive cleaning of the plate surface artifacts,89 incorrect settings of processing menus,10communication error artifacts,11 or data cable malfunctions,11 but these artifacts were included in our classification because they had been defined in previous studies and reports.…”

“…3, 4, 5, 6). In this study, errors related to the scanner were identified with the help of our technical support team and previous studies 346891011…”

“…Very few studies have investigated PSP technology errors and artifacts, and most of the studies that have done so are related to medical radiology 3456. This study aimed to classify the image artifacts of intraoral phosphor plates in an in-depth way and to define the causes of and solutions for errors in this recently developed, popular imaging modality.…”

“…All the radiographs were evaluated by a single oral radiologist. Image errors and artifacts were classified according to the classifications presented in the studies of Çalışkan and Sumer,3 Chiu et al,4 Shetty et al,6 and Langland et al7 Additionally, especially for scanner artifacts, the user manuals of Digora PSP scanners (Kavo/Soredex, Helsinki, Finland)8 and VistaScan Mini Easy PSP scanners (Dürr Dental, Bietigheim-Bissingen, Germany)9 were consulted, and for software artifacts, the report of the American Association of Physicists in Medicine task group10 and Seeram's study11 were used.…”

“…Understanding this technology is very important for resolving image errors and obtaining successful radiographic imaging, as well as for developing innovations in the system. Çalışkan and Sumer3 reported a comprehensive classification of intraoral PSP image errors and artifact types. Chiu et al4 examined PSP artifacts under the headings of operator errors, scanning machine errors, and sensor defects.…”