The subjective image quality of direct digital and conventional panoramic radiography

Abstract

One of the main advantages of digital imaging is the possibility of altering display options for improved image interpretation. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the subjective image quality of direct digital panoramic images and compare the results with those obtained from conventional images. Furthermore, the effect of various filter settings on image interpretation was assessed. Panoramic images were obtained with three different types of panoramic equipment (one direct digital and two conventional units) from three groups of 54 patients with a natural dentition in all quadrants. The first series of panoramic images consisted of 54 unprocessed digital images; conventional film images (n = 108) comprised the second and third series. A final series consisted of the digital images treated with three different filters ("smoothening," "sharpening," and "contrast enhancement"). All images were scored randomly by four experts in oral radiology on a 4-point rating scale. The results showed a statistically significant difference in scorings between the conventional and digital panoramic units. The main reason for poor image quality appeared to be a combination of blurring and overlapping in the panoramic image. The premolar region in the upper jaw was the region where most additional radiographs were needed.

Perception of anatomical structures in digitally filtered and conventional panoramic radiographs: a clinical evaluation

“…1,2 Since the introduction of digital extra-oral imaging, scientific research on this topic has been rather limited. 3,4 Studies using panoramic images have compared the quality of unfiltered digital images with films, evaluated the effect of dose reduction on the detection of anatomical structures and/or dental pathologies or compared the performance of different panoramic receptors. [4][5][6][7] It is well known that radiographic recognition of disease requires superior radiographic appearance of normal anatomy.…”

“…3,4 Studies using panoramic images have compared the quality of unfiltered digital images with films, evaluated the effect of dose reduction on the detection of anatomical structures and/or dental pathologies or compared the performance of different panoramic receptors. [4][5][6][7] It is well known that radiographic recognition of disease requires superior radiographic appearance of normal anatomy. For this purpose, the processing of digital images with the aid of various filters is recommended to produce a ''conventional look'' while overcoming the limitations of conventional film radiography.…”

An Analysis of Image Enhancement Techniques for Dental X-ray Image Interpretation

“…AHE and CLAHE algorithms were applied on mammograms for breast cancer [12]- [15] as well as dental radiographs [2], [16]- [22]. Application of image enhancement techniques to dental x-ray images shows an active ongoing research [16]- [22]. Enhancement techniques that had been reported in the literatures were high-pass filters and contrast enhancement.…”

“…Enhancement techniques that had been reported in the literatures were high-pass filters and contrast enhancement. High pass filter types that had been used are shadow [18] and sharpening [18] [22]. The pathologies that had been investigated were periodontal ligament space [21], lamina dura [2] and condition of alveolar bone [19].…”

“…For example, HE and AHE methods had been used to enhance fish bone impaction in the soft tissue of lateral neck radiograph [2]. AHE and CLAHE algorithms were applied on mammograms for breast cancer [12]- [15] as well as dental radiographs [2], [16]- [22]. Application of image enhancement techniques to dental x-ray images shows an active ongoing research [16]- [22].…”