Evaluation of image quality parameters of representative intraoral digital radiographic systems

Objective. The aim of this study was to compare imaging properties of 20 intraoral digital systems objectively. Study Design. Using a direct current x-ray source and a radiographic phantom, a series of radiographs was made from the lowest exposure time until the sensor saturated. Images were captured and stored. Incident exposures were measured using a radiation meter. Gray scale, spatial resolution, and contrast/detail detectability were evaluated. Presence of 7 distinct steps spanning the gray levels from 0 to 255 was used to define the exposure latitude. An “optimal” exposure, the lowest exposure where maximum spatial resolution and contrast/detail detectability were achieved, was determined. Results. The systems varied greatly in latitude, “optimal” exposure, and image quality. This may not be readily apparent to the naked eye or when clinical images are compared. Conclusions. Objective assessment of image quality with a quality assurance tool makes it possible to evaluate and compare the various intraoral digital systems. (Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol 2013;116:774-783) diseases, root fractures, and oral pathologies. 1 Until the 1980s, these radiographs were obtained using conventional film-based techniques. However, with developments in computer technology and the introduction of digital systems, digital sensors have started gaining popularity in the dental field. The progress has been toward a completely integrated digital environment where digital images can be centrally stored and organized using database systems. 2,3 Although digital x-ray sensors are comparable to analog film for diagnostic tasks, they have several advantages over film radiography. These include immediate image production with solid-state devices, interactive display on a monitor with the ability to enhance image features and make direct measurements, integrated storage with access to images through practice management software systems, security of available backup and off-site archiving, exact