Evaluation of Niobi-X filtration in intraoral radiology

This investigation studied the effect of adding niobium filtration to the dental x-ray beam assessing reduction in patient x-ray exposure and changes in image quality. Clinical radiographs were made with the use of D- or E-speed film with either aluminum or aluminum plus 25 microns or 30 microns of added niobium filtration. Similar exposures were made on a head phantom, measuring the absorbed dose to radiosensitive sites in the head and neck. Results indicated that the addition of 25 microns or 30 microns of niobium filtration does not significantly degrade the subjective image quality of diagnostic radiographs when D-speed film is used. With E-speed film, however, the addition of niobium filtration significantly degrades the diagnostic image quality. The addition of niobium filtration results in a 20% to 30% reduction in patient dose. We conclude that the use of niobium filtration with D-speed dental film is a positive contribution to patient care.