Application of xeroradiography in sialography

Xeroradiography and its application to dentistry

Xeroradiography is a highly accurate electrostatic imaging technique. In this technique a conventional single-phase dental x-ray unit is used as an x-ray source, but instead of a silver-halide film image, a uniformly charged selenium alloy plate housed in a light-proof cassette is used. In this article the equipment, procedure, properties and artifacts related to the xeroradiographic technique are described. An evaluation of the xeroradiographic images is also presented. Xeroradiography, which requires only about one-third of the dose required for conventional radiographs, is a valuable alternative to conventional radiography for detecting carious lesions, calculus deposits and periodontal disease. It is also of value in interpreting periapical structures.

Use of xeroradiography for length determination in endodontics

Files inserted and secured in forty-seven canals of maxillary and mandibular cadaver jaw sections were radiographed by conventional and xeroradiographic means, with the use of positioning devices and beam-guiding instruments. Measurements of the radiographically interpreted distance and the actual distance of files from the anatomic apex were made and compared. The data were analyzed by use of the Student's t test. There was no statistically significant difference between conventional and xeroradiographic methods. Xeroradiographs were subjectively judged better than conventional radiographs for maximum visualization of dental structures important to endodontics. Radiation levels needed for quality radiographs were found to be less with the xeroradiographic process.

A cephalometric appraisal of xeroradiography

The literature on the physics, the radiation hazard, and the current medicodental applications of xeroradiography is reviewed. A study is presented on estimating the effect of a xeroradiographic technique on the degree of inter- and intraobserver error in cephalometric landmark identification, as compared to a radiographic technique. This study involved identification by four observers of sixteen cephalometric landmarks on twelve xeroradiographs and twelve radiographs, on two separate occasions. The conclusions are that neither technique provided a significant reduction in interobserver differences. However, for eight of the thirty-two variables (nasion's Y axis, portion's X and Y axes, basion's X axis, Bolton point's X axis, anterior nasal spine's X axis, menton's Y axis, and the tip of the nose's X axis), as opposed to two (basion's Y axis and gonion's Y axis), xeroradiography produced a significant reduction in intraobserver error in comparison to radiography.

Dental xeroradiography as an adjunct in the evaluation of oral cancer: a preliminary report

This pilot study of an experimental dental xeroradiography imaging system involved twelve oral cancer clinic patients. Xeroradiographs were compared with conventional intraoral film radiographs, taken with similar x-ray projections. The new dental xeroradiographic system was judged superior for the imaging of both osseous and soft-tissue structures. Especially significant was the new imaging system's ability to portray early bone erosion not detectable with the conventional intraoral film technique. These results point to the need for controlled clinical evaluations of dental xeroradiography, in order to assess the full potential of this rapid, low-radiation imaging system in the evaluation of oral cancer.

Clinical trials of intraoral dental xeroradiography

A new dental xeroradiographic processor was clinically tested. In comparison with conventional radiographs, xeroradiographs often showed more anatomic detail of teeth and bone and required approximately half the exposure time. These characteristics, the speed of operation and the added features for convenience, suggest that xeroradiography may be important to dental radiography in the future.

Intraoral xeroradiography

This study compared the diagnostic usefulness of images of dental structures made with two xeroradiographic (XR) processes with those made by conventional radiography. The xerographic systems employed were a Xerox 125 system (designed for mammography) as well as a new experimental xerographic instrument designed for dental use. Structures evaluated included osseous trabecular detail, caries, dental anatomy, soft tissue, and dental restorations. In general, the resolution and detail of these dental structures were noticeably better on conventional films than on the XR 125 images. In addition, the presence of artifacts around the margins of metallic restorations on the XR 125 image severely inhibited detection of recurrent caries. In contrast, XR images formed by the new experimental process were equal to or superior to conventional films in resolving detail of dental struitures. Also, the experimental XR process required less radiation exposure than conventional radiography.

Continuous infusion pressure-monitored sialography

A technique for sialography has been developed which gives reproducible radiographs. By employing a constant infusion pump to deliver 0.2 ml of contrast medium per minute the patient does not experience pain and glandular detail is not obscured due to overfilling. Aqueous and oily contrast media may be used satisfactorily but there is greater latitude in times of exposure with the aqueous media.