Abstract
ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to determine whether a handheld (HH) X-ray device (Nomad Pro 2) is capable of producing equivalent or even superior X-ray image quality in comparison to a wall-mounted (WM) dental X-ray unit (Heliodent Plus) on the basis of objectifiable image quality parameters.MethodsAnatomical, radiological and biological dental X-ray image quality parameters of a handheld dental X-ray device (Nomad Pro 2, Kavo Kerr, Biberach, Germany) were compared to a standard wall-mounted dental X-ray unit (Heliodent Plus, Sirona Dental Systems, Bensheim, Germany) using a maxillofacial phantom. In addition, the effect of different operators (dentists, dental students, dental assistants) on the dental X-ray image quality was measured.ResultsHH and WM devices showed comparable image quality for anterior teeth, premolars, molars and bitewing images. During the two-month investigational period, the radiation exposure level for the operator of the Nomad Pro 2 was 0.1 mSv for 203 images. Dentists as the highest trained personnel enrolled in the study achieved better image quality with the Nomad Pro 2 as compared to dental students and dental assistants, especially in the molar region.ConclusionsA HH device delivers a comparable image quality to a WM device. In addition, there seem to be short learning curves with regard to image acquisition when using a handheld device, which is further minimised by the previous training of the operating personnel. HH dental X-ray devices, such as the Nomad Pro 2 are a promising adjunct for dental radiology in cases where WM units are of limited practicability.
Highlights
In contemporary clinical dentistry, the use of X-ray images fundamentally increases diagnostic and therapeutic quality
No significant differences in the image quality parameters between the Nomad Pro 2 and the Heliodent Plus were found in the analysis of the bite wing X-ray images (0%; p > 0.05)
The results of the present study indicate an equivalent X-ray image quality when using a HH Nomad Pro 2 device in comparison to the wall mounted (WM) X-ray unit Heliodent Plus in X-ray images of the premolars, molars and bitewing images
Summary
The use of X-ray images fundamentally increases diagnostic and therapeutic quality. Intraoral dental X-ray units are typically wall mounted (WM) Such configuration or design goes back to the original technical constraint in which a high voltage cable, attached to the so-called scissor arm, is needed to connect the X-ray tube assembly to the high voltage generator. Handheld (HH) dental X-ray devices, such as the Nomad Pro 2 (Kavo Kerr, Biberach, Germany), were introduced as an alternative to the conventional WM units [5] These devices claim to offer a convenient and portable size and are supposed to be operated even under difficult conditions, such as bedside dental X-ray imaging in hospitals and nursing homes, while offering equivalent operator doses to standard WM units [6]. This new class of devices is, in some regions, covered by regulatory guidance [7]
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