Comparison of Image Clarity between Digital and Conventional Radiography

Introduction: The manipulation of radiographic images is possible in digital radiograph, thus the exposure time can be reduced nevertheless the processing time is shorter if compared to conventional radiography. Objective: The aim of the study was to compare the image clarity between conventional and digital intraoral radiograph. Methods: Digital and conventional radiographs were captured the image of an extracted maxillary incisor with constant setting of the x-ray source at 70 kVp and 5mAs. Then three series of the digital radiographic of the same specimen was captured at 66 kVp, 63 kVp, 60 kVp. Images were presented to 46 fourth year dental students to evaluate the image quality considering the clarity of tooth pattern. The percentage of observers determined which images were superior or same among digital or conventional were recorded. Results: Digital setting at 66 kVp images were rated as the most superior among all the 4 settings by 67.4% of observers followed by 65.2% for voltage setting 70 kVp, 63.0% for voltage setting 63 kVp and 56.5% for voltage setting 60 kVp. Although the percentage of choosing the most superior image started to be decreased in digital setting in 70 kVp and after 66 kVp however, it was still better than conventional method. Conclusion: Digital radiographic image taking on extracted tooth specimen with the setting of 66 kVp was the most superior among other setting. Conventional radiography showed inferior to digital image at any setting. This study suggested that the image of digital radiography was superior to conventional radiographic.