| Digital Radiography – a Must in Dentistry | | | | ALARA is an acronym for 'As Low As |
| Dr. Steve Thompson DDS | | | | Reasonably Achievable.' |
| Paper x-rays and digital x-rays effectively provide | | | | Though digital radiography is a quick and easy |
| diagnostic information. Though paper x-rays have | | | | method of diagnosis, the dentist does keep its |
| been used traditionally, developments in recent | | | | use to the minimal to comply with ALARA & |
| times see dental professionals using the modern | | | | reduce the radiation exposure. |
| technology of 'digital radiography'. | | | | Over time with scientific developments, radiation |
| 'Digital Radiography' involves the use of a small | | | | exposure though xray has been reducing, |
| sensor, which is briefly placed in the mouth during | | | | let’s say 10 or 20 or even 30 years ago. This |
| the x-ray process. This sensor is like a tiny | | | | has been possible primarily because the amount |
| camera which is more sensitive to x-ray light than | | | | of exposure per radiograph has decreased hugely |
| normal light. | | | | over the last few decades. |
| The immediate benefits of Digi Images over | | | | Newer digital radiography is now available and it |
| conventional X-Rays: | | | | offers dentists excellent diagnostic results. It has |
| 1. The captured image is displayed on the | | | | also decreased radiation exposure by up to eighty |
| computer screen, saving time over the traditional | | | | percent. |
| paper x-rays. | | | | The digital images are stored in the patient's |
| 2. Digi radiographs also do not need any chemicals | | | | computer file and these can be easily printed or |
| for developing, rendering them environmental | | | | emailed for communication with the patients, |
| friendly as well. | | | | specialists or even insurance companies. It is also |
| 3. Digi Radiographs also provide larger and far | | | | easier to compare images from one appointment |
| detailed images, comparatively. Modern computing | | | | to the next to allow the dentist to notice changes |
| software also permits extensive handling of the | | | | that may occur over a period of time. |
| image – magnification, rotation, contrast | | | | To summarize: |
| adjustment and even color coding of the various | | | | - Digital radiography improves diagnostic ability |
| element of the tooth for educational purposes. | | | | - It is faster |
| 4. Due to the quick result & easy | | | | - It decreases radiation exposure |
| manipulation of the image, the patient-doctor | | | | - Improves communication between the dental |
| communication is enhanced. | | | | professional and the patient |
| 5. Also these digital images make for easy and | | | | - Images can be easily stored and also easily |
| uncluttered filing – making accessing these | | | | accessible |
| digital records a breeze. | | | | - Software enables the images to be enhanced |
| 6. Obviously, they also are free from wear or | | | | In today's modern age, most dental offices have |
| tear. | | | | begun using digital radiography in order to take |
| Patients worry about the radiation exposure they | | | | advantage of all the features available with the |
| may face with every x-ray. Dentists are no | | | | newer technology. Do ensure that your dentist |
| different in this worry, and follow the ALARA | | | | uses digital radiography too. |
| principle to ensure minimal radiation as well. | | | | |