Digital Radiography in Dentistry- A reform for Better

A common myth, that is time involved and  fear associated with accepting dental treatment, are days of the past with changes in technology. Modern technology has changed the dentistry to a much smoother and comfortable procedure. Dentistry without proper and advanced technology is tiresome, painful and less efficient both for patient and dentist.  

There are numerous metamorphoses in dentistry, one which is most frequently and a useful aid in diagnosing is radiography. We all have come across dental issues and might have come across the conventional film based radiography/X-rays, but presently the conventional films are being replaced by digitized images.

Digital radiography are one of the newest X-ray techniques. Standard X-ray film is replaced with a flat electronic pad or sensor. The image goes into a computer, where it can be viewed on a screen, stored or printed out.

Comfort and time conservation- These digital radiography procedure are not only comfortable but also help in a more clearer picture with better visualization of minute details and, it also conserves time of both dentist and patient.

Approach towards preventive aspect- Tiny changes therefore can be caught earlier with required necessary measures.

Radiation exposure- In fact, digital X-rays use up to 90 percent less radiation than film X-rays. While conventional dental X-rays are relatively safe, digital radiography is an excellent option. 

Diagnostic proficiency- Unlike film, digital X-ray images can be enhanced to assist in making a precise diagnosis. Images can be magnified, sharpened, colorized, or displayed as a negative. These software-controlled enhancements optimize the image but do not alter the data - you can always “go back” to view the original image. Digital tools such as these are built right into the software that drives the digital radiography system.

Easy Storage- Digitized data also can be preserved lifelong so changes can be better compared and appreciated, thereby helping in precision in the treatment rendered.

Green dentistry- A step towards green dentistry, acceptance of this newer technique is also increased as they are environment friendly, because digital radiography is without the use of harmful, chemicals like developer and fixer used in processing the film.

Transferring records- The advantages are many but the comfort is also when a second opinion is required digital image can be transferred quickly and without any distortion.

Patients perceive the acquisition and incorporation of new technologies as dentists caring enough to provide them with the best diagnostic treatment available. 

Anxiety solved in selecting a dentist

When you choose a new dentist, you are making an important decision for you and your family. You are entrusting care for a key part of your overall wellness to someone with whom you’ve had no prior experience. To make your experience a pleasant and memorable, prior planning will be of great help.

Location and office hours

Take your time in choosing a dentist; don’t wait for emergency. Choose a dentist at a comfortable distance from house. Make sure accessibility of dentist, when you need him.

Dentist accessibility

This clearly means that dentist is not only accessible from your house but should have sufficient quality time to answer your doubts/myths/beliefs.

Personal comfort

Comfortability with the dentist is the most significant factor. Are you able to explain your queries and get satisfactory answers for the same? Are u comfortable expressing your phobias and fear, and how is the response of dentist in that context. What is the comfort level in taking treatment in his clinic?

Professional qualifications

Specialist’s qualifications may be of great help in successfully rendering treatment as also will be well versed with the latest innovations and techniques. In addition a good dentist will be able to show evidence of continuing professional development since qualifying, in order to keep up to date with new techniques and treatments. Many will be members of additional professional associations and societies.

Emergency care

It’s the clear test of the doctors proficiency and experience with the associated profession/specialty.

Ask others for recommendations

Evaluate the dentist after an appointment. During your initial visit, make sure office is neat and clean. How do they handle your personal history (medical and dental)? Lastly “Word Of Mouth Referral” plays a vital role.

   

Practice technology

Dentistry is a specialty where success of treatment is multifactorial. Dentist professional qualification is one of the key deciding factors, followed by advancement in the technology in context to the instrument and equipment. Most of the patients think technological advancement is for the convenience of doctor, but on the contrary that advancement is to ascertain a better access to diseased area, to come to a more concrete and definitive diagnosis. Diagnosis is the first step to achieve quality treatment.

Second step – Execution towards diagnosis- rendering a quality treatment where again advancement plays a very vital role.

Third step – Mission accomplished- confirmation that treatment rendered is as per the set standards. All these are result of our evolution towards technology.

Setting up the goals

Another factor which is in line with the selection of dentist is the mind make up for different type of treatment alternative. Ideally for all the issues there are ways to attain the objective like

a. Corrective/invasive followed by preventive to increase the longevity

b. Corrective/invasive only i.e. to get rid of problem

 

Significance and Safety issues of Dental X-rays/Radiographs

Dental x-rays/radiographs are the image of teeth with low level of radiation that is helpful to evaluate oral health. They are diagnostic, and can also be preventative. They help a dentist to diagnose potential oral care issues in patient’s mouth before they become a major problem. Children may need to have dental x-rays more often than adults so that growth of permanent teeth are monitored. Actually a tooth has two parts visible part and the embedded/ hidden part. So the x-rays are helpful in knowing the status of hidden part, also it gives a confirmatory answer for the treatment to be rendered. So to sum up, radiographs (X-rays) complements dental treatment.

Risk involved in dental x-rays

The dental x-rays do involve radiation exposure but the levels are so low that they are considered safe for both children and adult. If dentist used DIGITAL x-rays instead of film the radiation exposure is lowered drastically. Still precautions like the thyroid collar around neck and lead apron prevents any unnecessary exposure to the vital tissues. Pregnancy is one condition where thyroid collar and lead apron should be strictly adhered to before X-rays exposure, but still as a recommendation should avoid as much as possible.