New Classification of Intraoral Phosphor Plate Artifacts Based on Literature Review

Abstract

AIM: Artifacts (error) encountered in phosphor plates (PSP) used in intraoral digital imaging were evaluated under a new classification. METHODS: In our study, when obtaining images with intraoral phosphor plates, artifacts before, during, after the irradiation and artifacts caused by the scanner were determined according to review of the literature. RESULTS: Intraoral radiographs are obtained while many artifacts are encountered. These artifacts can occur in both conventional and digital systems. Artifacts that ocur before irradiation such as scratches, cracks, fingerprints, dust particles, bite marks, plate edge peeling; during irradiation such as positioning error, motion artifact, shooting from different angles errors, cone-cut, double image, light-dark images, glare, fading, revers irradiation , refraction, distortion; after irradiation such as irregular image density, noise, writing artifact, fingerprints, fading artifacts; and depending on the scanner artifacts such as inclined placement, a parallel line to scan direction, dust fragment, plate size determination error has been shown to be visible. CONCLUSION: An inaccurate image with no diagnostic value requires regeneration. For this reason, knowing the causes of artifacts in radiographic images is important for the patient, the environment, and the practitioner to prevent unnecessary x-rays (radiation).