OBJECTIVE AND SUBJECTIVE EVALUATIONS OF KODAK EKTASPEED-PLUS DENTAL-X-RAY FILM

A new dental x-ray film, Kodak Ektaspeed Plus (Eastman Kodak Co., Rochester, N.Y.), was compared with Kodak Ektaspeed and Ultraspeed films. The comparison was based on objective measures (film contrast, speed, and fog levels) and subjective appraisals (film graininess and appearance). Ektaspeed Plus had higher contrast than Ektaspeed and in general similar contrast to Ultraspeed. Ektaspeed Plus was faster than Ektaspeed. Films were stored in various locations and base + fog determinations were made during a 16-week period. Ektaspeed Plus and Ultraspeed films were generally stable within this period. There were no meaningful differences in fog buildup based on storage location. Ektaspeed Plus had the least rate of buildup. Ektaspeed demonstrated the greatest rate of buildup and the greatest sensitivity to environmental factors. Periapical exposures were made of the molars of a manikin. These radiographs were subjectively assessed by three observers. The Ektaspeed Plus film was judged to appear less grainy than the Ektaspeed and to have a pleasing appearance. On the basis of the evaluations performed in this initial investigation, it was concluded that Ektaspeed Plus was superior to Ektaspeed film and was superior or equivalent to Ultraspeed film for dental radiography.