Image quality of a portable X-ray device (Nomad Pro 2) compared to a wall-mounted device in intraoral radiography

Abstract

Objectives The aim of this study was to determine whether a handheld (HH) X-ray device (Nomad Pro 2) is capable of producing equivalent or even superior X-ray image quality in comparison to a wall-mounted (WM) dental X-ray unit (Heliodent Plus) on the basis of objectifiable image quality parameters. Methods Anatomical, radiological and biological dental X-ray image quality parameters of a handheld dental X-ray device (Nomad Pro 2, Kavo Kerr, Biberach, Germany) were compared to a standard wall-mounted dental X-ray unit (Heliodent Plus, Sirona Dental Systems, Bensheim, Germany) using a maxillofacial phantom. In addition, the effect of different operators (dentists, dental students, dental assistants) on the dental X-ray image quality was measured. Results HH and WM devices showed comparable image quality for anterior teeth, premolars, molars and bitewing images. During the two-month investigational period, the radiation exposure level for the operator of the Nomad Pro 2 was 0.1 mSv for 203 images. Dentists as the highest trained personnel enrolled in the study achieved better image quality with the Nomad Pro 2 as compared to dental students and dental assistants, especially in the molar region. Conclusions A HH device delivers a comparable image quality to a WM device. In addition, there seem to be short learning curves with regard to image acquisition when using a handheld device, which is further minimised by the previous training of the operating personnel. HH dental X-ray devices, such as the Nomad Pro 2 are a promising adjunct for dental radiology in cases where WM units are of limited practicability.

Accuracy in positioning of dental X-ray images – A comparative study of a portable X-ray device and a wall-mounted device

“…As HH devices are scarce in Western Europe, it is possible that operator training would significantly improve the precision of the aim. This is in conformity with other studies ( Gray et al, 2012 ; Nitschke et al, 2020 ). The studies of Ulusu et al (2010) and Nitschke et al (2020) described comparable image quality of HH and WM devices on digital radiographs ( Ulusu et al, 2010 ; Nitschke et al, 2020 ).…”

“…This is in conformity with other studies ( Gray et al, 2012 ; Nitschke et al, 2020 ). The studies of Ulusu et al (2010) and Nitschke et al (2020) described comparable image quality of HH and WM devices on digital radiographs ( Ulusu et al, 2010 ; Nitschke et al, 2020 ). The present results show that the accuracy of HH and WM devices seem comparable.…”

“… Hoogeveen et al (2019) found a better aiming precision in the mandible for HH and WM devices ( Hoogeveen et al, 2019 ). Nitschke et al (2020) describe mandibular image quality of the HH device surpassing the WM device ( Nitschke et al, 2020 ). It seems plausible that precision of aiming in the mandible is facilitated using an HH device over a WM device.…”

“…However, Rottke et al (2018) proposed that there is no increased risk of radiation exposure to the operator by the use of HH X-ray devices ( Rottke et al, 2018 ). Nitschke et al (2020) showed that the image quality (according to the guidelines of the German Federal Medical Association) of an HH X-ray device is at least comparable to that of a WM X-ray device ( Nitschke et al, 2020 ). Hoogeveen et al (2019) analyzed the precision of aiming with HH X-ray devices (compared to WM) for 20 different operators by measuring the deviation from the ideal perpendicular incidence of the radiation beam onto the sensor plane ( Hoogeveen et al, 2019 ).…”

Update on Hand-Held X-Ray Devices in Dentistry: a Literature Review

“…En relación con el kV, en los EP depende de la carga de la batería, a diferencia de los equipos fijos y móviles, que funcionan con corriente eléctrica (18). Si bien diversas investigaciones han encontrado una calidad de imagen aceptable al usar EP, similar a la obtenida con los equipos fijos (13,19,20), el inconveniente se presenta con el uso diario del equipo, que provoca una disminución en la carga de la batería. Por lo tanto, para evitar disminución en la calidad de imagen por un menor kV, se recomienda mantener siempre la batería con carga (21), una recarga regular y el uso de baterías más eficientes (22).…”