A clinical evaluation of some factors affecting image quality in panoramic radiography

Abstract

Aim: To evaluate the suitability of panoramic radiographs obtained with two different machines for clinical use.

Material and methods: Three observers assessed 111 pairs of panoramic radiographs taken with the Scanora (Soredex, Orion Corp., Helsinki, Finland) programme 001, and the Orthophos Plus (Sirona, Bensheim, Germany), programme P1 respectively, for visualisation of seven anatomical structures on each side, on a 5-point scale where 1 = very good. The median values were computed and a descriptive analysis performed. Interrater and intrarater agreement were expressed as weighted kappa.

Results: The median values of both Scanora and Orthophos radiographs were the same, scoring 2. The intra- and inter-observer agreement was generally poor and similar for both machines.

Conclusions: The two panoramic machines were both given good ratings for evaluation of anatomical structures. The differences were very small and suggest that both machines are suitable for clinical use.