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. 

Stepping stone to "FRESH" dental practice by becoming "GREEN" - A Eco-friendly initiative.

Green Dentistry or Eco-friendly dentistry is an approach to dentistry that combines dental practices and environmental conservation. “Eco-dentistry” or “Green dentistry” refers to the delivery of oral healthcare and dental treatments using technologies, procedures and materials that promote environmental health. The key concepts of a green dental practice include conservation of water and energy, use of non-toxic products, reduction of waste, and elimination of hazardous toxins that negatively affect patients and the environment.

Pollution contributing factors needs to be re-considered with reforms where ever possible:

1. X‑rays: Traditional radiography uses various chemicals and generates waste. Fixer containing silver that must be managed as hazardous waste or the silver be reclaimed and recycled properly. Traditional x-ray fixers contain chemicals such as Ammonium Thiocyanate and Boric anhydride. These chemicals are known to be skin, eye and respiratory tract irritants, and hazardous if ingested or inhaled. They also are toxic to blood, thyroid, kidneys and liver and repeated or prolonged exposure can produce target organ damage. Waste developer contains toxic chromium salts hence should be flushed down the drain or sent for recycle, but it should not be mixed with fixer.

The lead foil contained in each film packet may be hazardous unless it is recycled for its scrap metal content. The lead foil inside each X‑ray packet is a leachable toxin and can contaminate the soil and groundwater in landfill sites. Lead foil packets should never be thrown in the regular garbage, rather sent for recycling of lead content.

Curtail radiation - Usage of digital X-rays rather than conventional X-rays scales down the amount of radiations and the quality of the images will also be more improvised.

Applying technology - Use of computers for the storage of data in relation to patient records will not only eliminate the paper usage but will be more accurate

2. Silver amalgam: Amalgams used to fill dental cavities contain typically 50% mercury with silver, tin, and other metals. The detrimental effects of mercury are widely known; therefore, it is crucial to prevent the release of mercury to the environment. Mercury in amalgam is converted to the more toxic “organic methyl mercury” by bacteria which is a neurotoxin. Vulnerable populations such as children, the foetuses of pregnant women, hypersensitive individuals, and people with kidney impairments are known to be particularly susceptible to the neurotoxic effects of dental mercury.

Alternatively more natural looking restorations generating  less heavy metal waste, currently metal-free and more natural looking eco-friendly adhesive restorations like direct binding composite  or ceramic crowns are available, they not only improves the esthetics but saves environment from heavy metals.

3. Mix only as much amalgam as is immediately required by using amalgam capsules. The left out unused amalgam should be recycled.  Amalgam shavings and bits of amalgam from the drilling or restoration shaping operations should be intercepted by drain traps or screens for recycling.

4. Toxic chemicals: Most of the chemicals used in dentistry are hazardous, hence utmost care should be taken according to guidelines for their disposal. 

5. Usage of disposables items: Different kinds of disposables used in dentistry are latex gloves, disposable patient bibs, head rest covers, syringes, plastic pouches, plastic suction tips. Office waste is usually non‑hazardous waste e.g., paper, cardboard, aluminum, plastics etc., The use of these should be minimized. Office paper material may be recycled.

6. Prevention of disease is extension towards green dentistry- professional prevention from invasive treatment restrains us from exposure to all different treatment thus it’s also a contribution towards Eco-friendly dentistry.

Green dentistry reduces supply costs by integrating dental innovations, and increases productivity by efficient use time, reducing wastage and preventing pollution. Ultimately patients get benefited by quality treatment with reduction in treatment costs. To conclude we quote Ray Kroc “As long you are green, you are growing. As soon you are ripe, you start to rot.” So let us go green today and save Mother Earth from bio-hazards for a better tomorrow.