A Brief Overview of Digital Radiography Systems

Are you currently using film? Are you curious about digital radiography and
want to know more? This helpful information is just for you.

Think for a moment of the contribution radiography The speed, ease of use and freedom from maintenance
makes to your practice. Consider the value of radiographs enable all members of the dental team to focus more on
in diagnosis, treatment and patient education. Now, patient care. Total imaging expenses are better managed
Imagine. What if everything could be made better, faster, because the significant costs of film processing and
easier? It can be. Digital radiography is the answer for maintenance labor are eliminated.
thousands of dentists who have upgraded to digital
systems and are enjoying the significant benefits. Patients
Two Types of Digital Systems
There are two distinct technologies. The first, sensor
and staff experience the tremendous advantages of digital
systems, are “Direct”, meaning that the receptor sends
radiography over conventional wet film processing.
the data directly to a computer via wires or wireless
Digital radiography delivers diagnostic, archiving and
transmission. The second type of digital system is
cost control capabilities absolutely unobtainable using
“Indirect”. With these, the receptor is inserted into a reader
film. The central question is no longer “Should I?”, but
or scanning device that sends the data to the computer.
“How do I?”.
Indirect systems create images using Phosphor Storage
This article will help you visualize the benefits of digital Plates (PSP). Both sensor and PSP systems are used in
radiography, understand the characteristics of the two thousands of dental practices. There are differences in
major types of systems and gain basic knowledge that will design, operation and performance. The key to your
assist you in configuring a system for your practice. success with digital radiography is to choose the products
What advantages does digital radiography that work best for you, under your actual conditions.
offer the Dentist? Sensors
People are visual. Digital radiography is a powerful visual There are two types of sensor architecture, CCD (Charge-
tool. All digital systems present the radiographic image on Coupled Device) and CMOS (Complementary Metal
a monitor. The image is larger, brighter and sharper; easier Oxide Semiconductor). There is considerable ongoing
for you and your patient to see. Image characteristics, like debate regarding the respective merits of the competing
brightness, contrast, sharpness and magnification are all technologies. Many experts believe that for an exacting
adjustable to suit your preferences, creating a powerful imaging application such as medical and dental
presentation and diagnostic aid. A well-educated patient radiography, the CCD sensor is the best choice because
more readily accepts treatment and is better equipped it produces the most detail-rich, lowest noise image.
to enhance their oral health. Digital radiography allows However, CCD sensors sometimes have a higher initial
the patient, guided by the Dentist, to visualize options investment than CMOS products. The data captured
and outcomes. Imagine simplified diagnosis from a clear, by the sensor is transmitted to the computer via Wired
sharp, monitor-size image rather than a square–inch size USB, Ethernet, Wireless RF and Bluetooth. The newest
piece of film. technology used for transmitting data is Bluetooth, which
Digital radiography builds your practice by improving is already widely used in mobile communication devices.
productivity. Every step in the imaging process requires Sensors offer a singular advantage: speed. From exposure
less time and produces results far superior to film. Every to image presentation on the monitor takes only a few
cleaning and maintenance task (and the cost) associated seconds. Sensors are commonly used during Endodontic
with film processing is eliminated. This productivity procedures or for trauma cases where speed is imperative.
benefit is often dismissed. Remember: the most successful Sensor images are created chairside. There is no need to
practice and the least successful practice both start every leave the operatory for processing.
day equally; each is given the same amount of time. Digital
Sensors present their users with some limitations. First,
radiography delivers real, measurable productivity
they are available in a limited size range, usually sizes 0,
gains.
1 and 2. If you require other film sizes, like 3 and 4, you
Attract talented members to your team using the non- face a compromise as these sizes are not available. Second,
financial incentive of digital radiography. People want to sensors cost several thousand dollars each. The average
work with modern equipment and treat patients using cost of a size 2 sensor today is $7,000.00. Third, they
contemporary modalities that are effective and productive. require a longer learning period. Because sensors are rigid
and much thicker than film, new positioning techniques your local authorized Air Techniques Dealer and choose
will need to be learned. It may take a while to develop the system and software that meet your needs best. You
proficiency. Since every patient is unique, not everyone will may also want to consider a hybrid system because they
tolerate the thickness and rigidity of a sensor, particularly are gaining in popularity. Hybrid systems, using both
children and those with small mouths. Finally, do you sensors and PSPs offer the most comprehensive approach
own or plan to purchase a Panoramic or Cephalometric to digital radiography.
X-ray unit? If you want to convert to digital radiography Here are some questions you should answer when eval-
using sensors you have two choices. You will need to uating a digital radiography system for your practice:
either buy a direct digital extraoral X-ray, which can cost
well in excess of $35,000 or have a digital conversion to 1. Is your computer system ready for the demands
your present extraoral machine if that option exists. The of digital imaging?
alternative to both is an indirect system. 2. Is the manufacturer you are choosing one you
can trust?
Phosphor Storage Plate Systems 3. Will you image intraorally, extraorally or both?
PSP or Phosphor Storage Plate systems are “Indirect”. The 4. Can the system be used with your present extra-
X-ray image is captured using a PSP. PSPs are wireless. oral X-Ray equipment?
Since they are not directly connected to the computer, a 5. Will the system enable you to image using all
device is required to read or extract the data from the PSP film-equivalent sizes?
and send the image data to a computer. 6. Will the system work in normal room lighting?
PSPs have several important characteristics. They are 7. Does the system offer multiple resolution
available in all film-equivalent sizes: 0, 1, 2, 3 and 4 plus settings?
Panoramic and Cephalometric. A PSP is flexible and 8. Is the product demonstrably easy to use?
actually thinner than a piece of dental film so it can be 9. Are images created quickly?
easily positioned in the mouth using the same techniques 10. Will the product work with many brands of
and holders that are currently used for film. PSPs have a software?
long service life, typically in the range of 1,000 ex-posures. 11. Does the system fit the way you work?
When compared to sensors, plates are very affordable; a Every day, Digital Radiography systems help more
typical size 2 PSP costs about $25. Dentists achieve superior imaging results. Explore the
There are several indirect or PSP systems available. Some possibilities and enjoy the benefits.
process only intraoral sizes, others process both intraoral
and extraoral sizes. Some systems will accept only a single
PSP at a time; others accept multiple plates and sizes at
the same time. Finally some products require that the PSP
be placed in a holder or carousel before insertion into the
scanner; others are direct-feed, where the PSP is placed
into the scanner with no additional devices needed.
If you own a film based Panoramic or Cephalometric X-
ray it is easy to upgrade to digital with the appropriate
PSP system. Just replace the film with the correct size PSP
and remove the intensifying screen from the film cassette if
one is present. Expose as with film and place the PSP in the
scanner to be read. Your extraoral X-ray is now converted
to digital; there is no need to buy new equipment. Most
indirect digital radiography systems are designed to be
placed in a central area so that staff can easily access the
system. The images can then be networked throughout
the practice.
What System is Right for you?
The step up to digital radiography can be fun, exciting
and very rewarding. Partner with your full service dealer.
Your dealer knows you, your practice and your work
habits. Their insights and counsel can be invaluable. You
will want the support that is always needed when making
an important change. Plan for the change, consult with