Tips on How to Choosing Dental Digital X-ray Machine
When contemplating the change to digital dental in your practice, the choices can be confusing for the dentist. Dental radiography has evolved from film and chemical developers into a highly technical process that involves various types of dental digital x-ray machine, as well as powerful dental software programs to assist the dentist with image acquisition and diagnostic analysis of the acquired images. When making the decision to purchase x-ray equipment, the doctor needs to research the available options thoroughly, in order to make an informed choice for the “right” machine for his or her practice.
The decision to implement digital sensors in the dental office is significant. Electronic health records can simplify treatment planning, documentation, and communication, among many other facets of patient care. The decision to go “paperless” often transitions the dental team to implementing an imaging system that facilitates electronic image capture and archiving, which provides many benefits for both patients and practitioners. Digital X-rays can reduce radiation dose from 40% to 60% compared to traditional film.1 the transition to digital imaging, however, can be challenging. Understanding how the images will be captured and for what purpose can assist dental professionals in their decision-making process.
This table provides key insights into the digital sensor selection process, which includes a discussion of the benefits of imaging derived from photostimulable phosphor plate images vs. those captured from a charge-coupled device or from complementary metal oxide semiconductors.
The use of extension cone paralleling devices is helpful in sensor positioning, and greatly reduces the number of retakes needed in a full mouth series, bitewing radiographs, or individual periapical X-rays. When rectangular collimation is used in combination with digital intraoral sensors, the XCP holders assist practitioners in achieving paralleling techniques—minimizing fogging and further reducing radiation exposure up to five times that of film.1 Patients truly appreciate the efforts of dental teams in dose reduction.
Small dental x-ray imaging sensors designed to fit comfortably into a patient’s mouth, dental intraoral x-ray sensors provide images shown to be every bit as diagnostic as film radiographs. However, digital sensors offer clinicians far more when it comes to the way the radiographic images can be used. With better resolution, dramatically reduced radiation to the patient, and software the gives clinicians the ability to zoom into parts of the image and to apply filters for enhanced diagnostics, digital dental x-ray systems are friendlier to the patient, and to the doctor. Add to that the ability to archive radiographs with no loss of image quality, as well as the ability to send a perfect digital copy to insurance companies or referral partners, and your dental practice will see quickly see the benefits of using digital sensors.
