Influence of the X-ray source and the digital image receptor on the expression of halo artefacts around dental implants

Objectives: To assess if different dental X-ray sources and receptors can improve the bone-to-implant interface image visualization by preventing halo artefact expression in terms of presence and magnitude. Methods: 144 digital periapical radiographs of eight titanium implants installed in two human jaws were obtained using two devices (high- and low-frequency X-ray sources) and two radiographic receptors (complementary solid metal oxide semiconductor sensor, and phosphor storage plate). Two evaluators assessed the presence or absence of halo on the left, right and apical surfaces of the implants. In surfaces with halo, the area was segmented and quantified to measure the magnitude of artefact using the Trainable Weka Segmentation plugin of the ImageJ software. Statistics comprised Cochran’s Q, ANOVA, Kappa, and Intraclass Correlation tests (α = 5%). Results: Intra-examiner reproducibility was substantial and excellent. No surface showed statistically significant differences between the paired groups considering halo presence. 85 radiographs had at least one surface with halo, but the magnitude of halo did not vary considering the X-ray sources and radiographic receptors studied. Conclusion: Neither different X-ray sources nor radiographic receptor used in dentistry could improve the bone-to-implant interface image by preventing the presence or reducing the magnitude of halo artefacts.