High-yield radiography of the maxillofacial complex using the free focus and conventional imaging concepts. The resolution performance of nonscreen and screen-film combinations.

Free focus radiography with miniaturized dental x-ray machines may be a valuable source of "high-yield" diagnostic information in dentistry. This study evaluated the resolution performance of conventional image receptors, including nonscreen and screen-film combinations which were available in sizes suitable for panoramic free focus radiography or conventional extraoral radiography. Results with nonscreen films produced resolution performances ranging from about 10 lp/mm. to about 20 lp/mm. For each film tested, the performances in conventional radiography as well as in free focus radiography with the film in the buccal fold approached the maximum measurable of 20 lp/mm. In a mode of free focus radiography with the film positioned extraorally, there were significant variations in performance according to film brand. A significant reduction in resolution performance occurred when screen-film combinations were tested; resolution ranged between 4.0 lp/mm. and 7.4 lp/mm., with the better performance obtained with free focus radiography. The performance of a rare earth system was similar to other screen-film combinations tested in conventional radiography. In free focus radiography the performance of the rare earth system was slightly below the mean resolution for conventional screen-film combinations at 4.0 lp/mm. and 4.3 lp/mm. An example of a small cassette adapted for intraoral use was given.