[A comparative study of analog and digital intraoral x-ray image detector systems]

The object of this investigation was to compare different intraoral, analog and digital X-ray image detector systems with respect to the diagnostic performance and to the relation of dose and image quality.

Three different intraoral film types and one digital system were compared. The same basic image quality-related technical parameters were measured, Contrast detail diagrams and images of pig teeth were captured and evaluated by visual inspection.

The digital system has a speed that is at twice as high as least of the most sensitive analog system. Compared to the analog system, the digital system visualizes better low contrast structures such as carious defects, but shows problems in visualisation of high dynamic ranges such as crown margins or fillings: insufficient suitable dynamic range. Larger objects such as incisors could not be imaged in one exposure due to the small area of the digital detector (24.3 x 18.2 mm). Retakes may be required due to the small dynamic range and detector area.

The complete imaging of a tooth with crown and apical region, as required in the "radiological guidelines" is in doubt with digital systems having small active areas. The image quality of digital systems differs significantly from that of analog systems, nevertheless, the achievable image quality fulfills the requirements of intraoral dental radiology.