Image optimization in digital dental radiography.

Presented is a method for establishing the appropriate balance of image quality and radiation dose for dental imaging. Using the Monte Carlo N-Particle Extended (MCNPX) radiation transport code, the DC Planmeca radiographic unit and a dental bitewing phantom were modeled. The Carestream 6100 RVG sensor signal response, noise response, dose rate dependence, and reproducibility were determined experimentally, including uncertainties and inter/intraunit variabilities. The computationally varied parameters were peak kilovoltage and tube filtration. The entrance air kerma for the current clinical technique was used to establish reference image quality. Four figures of merit (FOM) were chosen to encompass parameter variation. With equal weighting of FOMs and no equipment limitations, the optimal parameters were 90 kVp with 0.1 mm added copper filtration. The optimal technique in the radiographic units' operating range was 70 kVp and 0.1 mm added copper filtration, resulting in a approximately 50% (+/-17%) entrance dose and approximately 40% effective dose savings.