Abstract

There is evidence that capture and processing of the digital radiographic images may contain artifacts that could reduce the diagnostic value of dental radiographs. This phenomenon has been reported through various case reports. However, its effect on radiographic image quality has not been studied. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effect of image processing on the quality of dental digital radiographs using the most common type of filter; sharpening. Four imaging modalities (2 CMOS, 1 PSP, 1 conventional film) were used to radiograph a DDQA imaging phantom (Digital Dental Quality Assurance phantom) and to create a flat field radiograph. Contrast resolution, spatial resolution, dynamic range and radiographic noise were assessed for image quality. “Uberschwinger” or overshoot artifact was also assessed. Each image was sharpened and then highly sharpened. Images were compared using Friedman's two-way nonparametric ANOVA. Image quality with regards to noise and resolution were significantly affected by image sharpening. All modalities saw an increase in overshoot artifact when using any level of sharpening. This degree of image sharpening creates artifacts that can be misinterpreted. While image sharpening significantly affects spatial resolution, no significant effect was seen on dynamic range or contrast resolution.

LLU Discipline

Prosthodontics

Department

Prosthodontics

School

School of Dentistry

First Advisor

Kattadiyil, Mathew T.

Second Advisor

Abramovitch, Kenneth

Third Advisor

Rice, Dwight D.

Fourth Advisor

Wadhwani, Chandur P.

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Degree Level

M.S.

Year Degree Awarded

2017

Date (Title Page)

6-2017

Language

English

Library of Congress/MESH Subject Headings

Prosthodontics; Radiography; Dental - Methods;

Subject - Local

Radiographic Image Quality; Imaging Modalities;

Type

Thesis

Page Count

32

Digital Format

PDF

Digital Publisher

Loma Linda University Libraries

Usage Rights

This title appears here courtesy of the author, who has granted Loma Linda University a limited, non-exclusive right to make this publication available to the public. The author retains all other copyrights.

Collection

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Collection Website

http://scholarsrepository.llu.edu/etd/

Repository

Loma Linda University. Del E. Webb Memorial Library. University Archives

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