Radiopacity of resin-based materials measured in film radiographs and storage phosphor plate (Digora)

This study compared the radiopacity of 41 resin-based materials using conventional dental x-ray film (Ultraspeed-D) and a digital system (Digora) based on storage phosphor plate technology. For the film-based technique, optical density measurements were carried out using an X-Rite densitometer. Al equivalents (mm) were calculated as described in the literature using a calibration curve of Optical Density versus the thickness of aluminum. Regarding the digital system after exposures of 0.16 and 0.32 seconds, the images were exported to an image processing software (NIH Image Engineering). An approach similar to that used for optical density was used to generate a calibration curve for gray pixel values. Linear correlations were found between the percentage of fillers by weight and x-ray film radiopacity and the Digora system, and the same coefficient of estimation was recorded (r=0.60; p! 0.05). A linear correlation was also observed between the conventional x-ray film technique and the Digora system (r=0.93; pless than or equal to0.05). Using two different exposure times did not affect the radiopacity. Considerable differences were found among materials of the same category. Flowable resin composites were more radiopaque than dentin, while microfine composites were "radiolucent." Most of the available resin-based materials were more radiopaque than enamel. The radiopacity of resin composites depended on their fillers (percentage and type). Using elements with low atomic numbers (Si) resulted in radiolucent materials, while adding elements with high molecular numbers (Ba, Y, Yb), resulted in radiopaque resin composites. Despite the numerous benefits offered by the digital imaging system (low irradiation dose, instant image, image manipulation), the conventional x-ray film technique seems to be more accurate for radiopacity measurements.