Which type of screens are typically used in panoramic systems to enhance image quality?

In panoramic radiography, intensifying screens are used to enhance image quality by converting x-ray photons into visible light, which further exposes the film. This process allows for the production of diagnostic-quality images at lower radiation doses, improving patient safety. The use of these screens results in increased film sensitivity, meaning that less exposure to radiation is required to achieve a clear and detailed image.

Intensifying screens work by embracing the principle of luminescence, allowing for better image contrast and detail, particularly in areas that are more challenging to visualize effectively. This technology is especially important in panoramic imaging where the entire jaw is captured, necessitating a balance between image clarity, detail, and patient exposure to radiation.

In contrast, the other types of screens listed do not serve this function in panoramic systems. Lead screens are generally used to absorb stray radiation and do not enhance image quality; opaque screens do not allow light to pass, which is counterproductive in imaging; and while film screens can be part of traditional radiographic systems, they are not specifically tailored for the enhanced capabilities found in modern panoramic systems.