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A Brief Overview of Digital Radiography SystemsAre 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 radiographymakes to your practice. Consider the value of radiographs

n diagnosis, treatment and patient education. Now,magine. What if everything could be made better, faster,asier? It can be. Digital radiography is the answer forhousands of dentists who have upgraded to digitalystems and are enjoying the significant benefits. Patientsnd staff experience the tremendous advantages of digitaladiography over conventional wet film processing.

Digital radiography delivers diagnostic, archiving andost control capabilities absolutely unobtainable using

film. The central question is no longer Should I?, butHow do I?.

This article will help you visualize the benefits of digitaladiography, understand the characteristics of the two

major types of systems and gain basic knowledge that willssist you in configuring a system for your practice.

What advantages does digital radiography

offer the Dentist?People are visual. Digital radiography is a powerful visualool. All digital systems present the radiographic image on monitor. The image is larger, brighter and sharper; easieror you and your patient to see. Image characteristics, like

brightness, contrast, sharpness and magnification are all

djustable to suit your preferences, creating a powerfulpresentation and diagnostic aid. A well-educated patientmore readily accepts treatment and is better equippedo enhance their oral health. Digital radiography allowshe patient, guided by the Dentist, to visualize optionsnd outcomes. Imagine simplified diagnosis from a clear,harp, monitor-size image rather than a squareinch size

piece of film.

Digital radiography builds your practice by improvingproductivity. Every step in the imaging process requiresess time an pro uces resu ts ar superior to m. Everyleaning and maintenance task (and the cost) associated

with film processing is eliminated. This productivitybenefit is often dismissed. Remember: the most successfulpractice and the least successful practice both start everyday equally; each is given the same amount of time. Digitaladiography delivers real, measurable productivity

gains.

Attract talented members to your team using the non-financial incentive of digital radiography. People want towork with modern equipment and treat patients usingontemporary modalities that are effective and productive.

The speed, ease of use and freedom from maintenaenable all members of the dental team to focus more

patient care. Total imaging expenses are better manabecause the significant costs of film processing maintenance labor are eliminated.

Two Types of Digital SystemsThere are two distinct technologies. The first, sensystems, are Direct, meaning that the receptor sethe data directly to a computer via wires or wiretransmission. The second type of digital systemIndirect. With these, the receptor is inserted into a reaor scanning device that sends the data to the compuIndirect systems create images using Phosphor Stor

Plates (PSP). Both sensor and PSP systems are usethousands of dental practices. There are differencedesign, operation and performance. The key to ysuccess with digital radiography is to choose the prodthat work best for you, under your actual conditions.

SensorsThere are two types of sensor architecture, CCD (ChaCoupled Device) and CMOS (Complementary MOxide Semiconductor). There is considerable ongodebate regarding the respective merits of the competechnologies. Many experts believe that for an exac

imaging application such as medical and deradiography, the CCD sensor is the best choice becait produces the most detail-rich, lowest noise imHowever, CCD sensors sometimes have a higher ininvestment than CMOS products. The data captuby the sensor is transmitted to the computer via WUSB, Ethernet, Wireless RF and Bluetooth. The newtechnology used for transmitting data is Bluetooth, wis already widely used in mobile communication dev

Sensors o er a singu ar a vantage: spee . Fromto image presentation on the monitor takes only a secon s. Sensors are common y use uring n o oprocedures or for trauma cases where speed is imperaSensor images are created chairside. There is no neeleave the operatory for processing.

Sensors present their users with some limitations. Fthey are available in a limited size range, usually size1 and 2. If you require other film sizes, like 3 and 4, face a compromise as these sizes are not available. Secosensors cost several thousand dollars each. The avercost of a size 2 sensor today is $7,000.00. Third, trequire a longer learning period. Because sensors are r

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nd much thicker than film, new positioning techniqueswill need to be learned. It may take a while to developproficiency. Since every patient is unique, not everyone willolerate the thickness and rigidity of a sensor, particularlyhildren and those with small mouths. Finally, do you

own or plan to purchase a Panoramic or CephalometricX-ray unit? If you want to convert to digital radiographyusing sensors you have two choices. You will need toither buy a direct digital extraoral X-ray, which can cost

well in excess of $35,000 or have a digital conversion toyour present extraoral machine if that option exists. The

lternative to both is an indirect system.

Phosphor Storage Plate SystemsPSP or Phosphor Storage Plate systems are Indirect. TheX-ray image is captured using a PSP. PSPs are wireless.Since they are not directly connected to the computer, adevice is required to read or extract the data from the PSPnd send the image data to a computer.

PSPs have several important characteristics. They arevai a e in a m-equiva ent sizes: 0, 1, 2, 3 an 4 p us

Panoramic and Cephalometric. A PSP is flexible andctually thinner than a piece of dental film so it can beasily positioned in the mouth using the same techniquesnd holders that are currently used for film. PSPs have aong service life, typically in the range of 1,000 ex-posures.

When compared to sensors, plates are very affordable; aypical size 2 PSP costs about $25.

There are several indirect or PSP systems available. Someprocess only intraoral sizes, others process both intraoral

nd extraoral sizes. Some systems will accept only a singlePSP at a time; others accept multiple plates and sizes at

he same time. Finally some products require that the PSPbe placed in a holder or carousel before insertion into thecanner; others are direct-feed, where the PSP is placednto the scanner with no additional devices needed.

f you own a film based Panoramic or Cephalometric X-ay it is easy to upgrade to digital with the appropriate

PSP system. Just replace the film with the correct size PSPnd remove the intensifying screen from the film cassette if

one is present. Expose as with film and place the PSP in thecanner to be read. Your extraoral X-ray is now convertedo digital; there is no need to buy new equipment. Most

ndirect digital radiography systems are designed to beplaced in a central area so that staff can easily access theystem. The images can then be networked throughouthe practice.

What System is Right for you?The step up to digital radiography can be fun, exciting

nd very rewarding. Partner with your full service dealer.Your dealer knows you, your practice and your workhabits. Their insights and counsel can be invaluable. Youwill want the support that is always needed when making

n important change. Plan for the change, consult with

your local authorized Air Techniques Dealer and chothe system and software that meet your needs best. may also want to consider a hybrid system because tare gaining in popularity. Hybrid systems, using bsensors and PSPs offer the most comprehensive approto digital radiography.

Here are some questions you should answer when euating a digital radiography system for your practice

1. Is your computer system ready for theof digital imaging?2. Is the manufacturer you are choosing one you

can trust?3. Will you image intraorally, extraorally or both4. Can the system be used with your present ext

oral X-Ray equipment?. Will the system enable you to image using all

film-equivalent sizes?6. Will the system work in normal room lighting7. Does the system offer multiple resolution

settings?

8. Is the product demonstrably easy to use?9. Are images create quic y?10. Will the product work with many brands of

software?11. Does the system fit the way you work?

Every day, Digital Radiography systems help moreDentists achieve superior imaging results. Explore thpossibilities and enjoy the benefits.

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