A comparison of perceived diagnostic image quality in direct digital panoramic images between standard and advanced external GOP image processing

Abstract

Objective: The objective of the present study was to study the effect of adaptive image processing (GOP processing) on the visibility of anatomical structures in direct digital panoramic images.

Material and methods: The study comprised panoramic images of 50 consecutive adult individuals aged 18–60 years. Nine dentists working with dental radiology compared the structural image quality of all standard-processed and GOP-processed panoramic images for six anatomical structures, using a six-point scale for visual grading characteristics analysis.

Results: For all anatomic structures a statistically significant difference in favour of the GOP was found.

Conclusions: The present study shows that it is possible to improve perceived diagnostic image quality of direct digital panoramic radiography using GOP technology compared to the manufacturers’ standard processing. Manufacturers’ image-processing programs can be further developed, as there is a possibility of improving the perceived diagnostic content of an image with external processing.

Keywords:

• Adaptive processing
• radiography: panoramic
• radiography: image enhancement
• digital dental radiography
• direct

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank the radiographers, Fredrik Solvinge and Annika Jigbrant, Department of Radiology, Skaraborg Hospital Skövde, Sweden, for the exposure of the panoramic radiographs and their efforts to ensure that the study could be carried out.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Data availability

Raw data and complete patient documentation are available from the author Reet Karlsson upon request and with patient consent, but are not provided publicly due to consideration of medical confidentiality, GDPR.