A laboratory evaluation of Ektaspeed Plus dental X-ray film

Objectives: The aim of this study was to make a laboratory evaluation of the image quality of a new dental X-ray film, Ektaspeed Plus, compared with Ektaspeed and Ultraspeed films. Methods: Films of each emulsion type underwent a range of exposures at both 50 kVp and 70 kVp, and characteristic curves were constructed to give a comparison of fog, speed and contrast. Line pair and contrast detail test objects were used to assess the resolution of radiographs and the ability of the two film types to reproduce minor differences in subject contrast. The sensitivity of the emulsions to safelighting for a range of times was also tested. Results: Ektaspeed Plus had the same speed, a slightly higher base plus fog density but a higher contrast (50 and 70 kVp) than Ektaspeed. The speed of Ektaspeed Plus was higher and the contrast similar to that of Ultraspeed film. Limiting resolutions of the three films were the same. There was a slightly better imaging of one contrast detail phantom with Ektaspeed Plus compared to Ektaspeed at 70 kVp only. All three emulsions were insensitive to recommended safelighting conditions. Conclusion: The improved image contrast of Ektaspeed Plus may be more acceptable to dentists than Ektaspeed and lead to a greater acceptance of E-speed film, contributing to dose reduction.