A method of determining the radiopacity of dental materials and foreign bodies.

The desirability of radiopacity in dental materials and other materials that may become foreign bodies is documented. No simple, reliable methods are available for the determination of radiopacity, and no standard specifications have been devised with regard to the radiopacity of dental materials. A method that enables radiopacity to be determined is described. The theoretical aspects of radiopacity in relation to the method are considered. Possible applications of this method in the development of standards for radiopacity are suggested.