Quantitative analysis of errors in alveolar crest level caused by discrepant projection geometry in digital subtraction radiography: an in vivo study

Abstract

Objective This study compared the difference between 3 intraoral radiographic techniques on digital subtraction radiography (DSR) in vivo that are commonly used in a clinical setting.

Study design We evaluated and statistically analyzed the errors in the DSR image in 6 regions with 3 radiographic techniques: paralleling technique with a bite block attached to XCP, paralleling technique using XCP, and bisecting-angle technique.

Results The amount of error using the bisecting-angle technique was too large for DSR, compared to that of the paralleling technique with a bite block attached to XCP. In the mandibular anterior region, the paralleling technique using XCP was not different from paralleling technique with a bite block attached to XCP. The lowest degree of error was present in the anterior region whereas the highest was present in the molar region.

Conclusion Bisecting-angle technique should be avoided, and paralleling technique using XCP can be used in the mandibular anterior region for DSR.