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.