Dental radiographic diagnostic resolution with minimal exposure.

Six test dental radiographic films with varying resolutions and exposure times were evaluated diagnostically by 334 dentists. Each dentist completed a questionnaire relative to observations, dental education, practice profile, film utilization, and opinions on how electronic enhancement of the film affected his diagnostic ability. More than 60% identified 12-20 paired lines per mm of resolution on three of the dental films. Five per cent never take full-mouth radiographs, 45.5% take them every 5 to 10 years, 41.2% every 2 to 4 years, and 8.3% more frequently than every 1 to 2 years. The dentists were asked to rank radiographs from the best to the least diagnostic. Ektaspeed® film was ranked as the best, although it has the third longest exposure. Xeroradiography had the shortest exposure and 72% felt it had the highest resolution. However, this technique was rated only third best, even though it appeared to be the best performing film tested and was rated best by 36%. The lack of a measurement range for an optimal diagnostic resolution in dental radiographs can result in over-radiation of patients. This possibility exists since improving resolution in dental radiographs often increases radiation exposure. It has been suggested that electronically enhanced radiographs may allow diagnosticians to make adequate diagnoses with reduced radiation exposure for patients. 1-3 Accordingly, the purpose of this study was formulated as follows: 1. To determine the minimal radiographic exposure and optimal diagnostic resolution, in paired lines per mm of anatomic structures on selected dental radiographs, as identified by practicing dentists 2. To determine whether dental radiographs made with minimal radiation exposure can be enhanced electronically to produce optimal diagnostic resolution, as identified by the same dentists. Possible correlations between these objectives and the characteristic profile of the dentist study population, such as age, educational background, and type of specialty or general practice, will be discussed in a later study.