Can adaptive post-processing of storage phosphor plate panoramic radiographs provide better image quality? A comparison of anatomical image quality of panoramic radiographs before and after adaptive processing

Abstract

Objective: The objective of the present study was to study the effect of adaptive image processing on the visibility of anatomical structures in storage phosphor plate (SPP) panoramic images.Materials and methods: Three hundred SPP panoramic X-ray radiographs of children and adolescents were used. The radiographs were post-processed using general operator processor (GOP) technology, resulting in both a standard-processed and a GOP-processed radiograph. Four specialists in dental radiology compared the structural image quality of all standard-processed and GOP-processed panorama images for six anatomical structures, using a six-point scale for visual grading characteristics (VGC) analysis.Results: For three of the anatomic structures – the root canal space of the mandibular left first premolar, mandibular canal left side and periodontal ligament space of the mandibular right first molar – there was a statistically significant difference to the GOP’s advantage. For the three remaining structures – dentino-enamel junction of the maxillary right first molar, crista alveolaris of the mandibular left molar area and floor of maxillary sinus right side – no significant difference between standard processing and GOP processing was obtained.Conclusions: The study demonstrates that it is possible to improve the quality of SPP radiographs and the visibility of anatomical structures by using the GOP technique. Manufacturers’ image-processing programs can be further developed, as there is a possibility of improving the diagnostic content of an image with external processing.