A comparative study of the quantitative assessment on the panoramic and intraoral radiographs

Kim, Jae Duk

Abstract

PURPOSE: To compare the copper equivalent values measured at premolar and molar areas in the copper equivalent images of panoramic and intraoral radiographs and to evaluate the possibility of the copper equivalent images of panorama for the assessment the bone density.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Intraoral radiograms at mandibular premolar and molar area and panoramas of 6 human dry skulls were taken with copper-step wedge by Heliodent MD (Siemens Co., Germany) and by Planmeca (PM 2002 CC, Planmeca, Helsinki, Finland) were used for experiment. The copper equivalent values measured at premolar and molar areas in the copper equivalent im ages of panorama and intraoral film were compared.
RESULTS
The copper equivalent values were ranged 0.20 mmCu-0.44 mmCu at the molar areas, 0.05 mmCu-0.31 mmCu at the premolar areas on panoramic images. There were no significant differences (p>0.5) between the copper equivalent values on intraoral images and those on panoramic images measured at premolar areas and molar areas respectively. The correlation coefficient between the copper equivalent values on intraoral images and those on panoramic images was respectively 0.8495 at molar areas and 0.6184 at premolar areas.
CONCLUSIONS
The copper equivalent images of panorama for the assessment the bone density appeared to be significant at molar area compared with the one of intraoral radiograph.