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Dental imaging

Published on 12/06/2015 by admin

Filed under Radiology

Last modified 22/04/2025

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13 Dental imaging

Dental imaging systems

  Many dental surgeries are still using film and chemical processing but there is a slow change to digital imaging. There are currently two systems available for digital imaging in dental departments

Dental sensors

 
image

Fig. 13.1 Dental – Intra oral sensor.
  Structure

• Digital sensor with a waterproof cover
• Disposable cover
• Directly connected to a computer with a cable

When the patient is radiographed

• Image on sensor goes directly to computer screen
• Software available to analyse, manage and store the information
• Can be used for extra oral work
  Advantages

• Instant viewing of the image
• Can be integrated into a computerised patient management system
• Image analysis available
• High Image resolution 20+ lp/mm
• No darkroom or chemicals required
  Disadvantages

• Sensor is rigid
• Cable may cause problems with positioning
• Careful cleaning required to prevent cross-infection
• Initial cost is high

Dental imaging plates

 
image

Fig. 13.2 Dental imaging plate.
  Structure

• Reusable imaging plates
• In light proof pouches
• Disposable cover
• Scanner is directly attached to a computer
  Advantages

• Imaging plates are flexible
• Same scanner used for intra oral and extra oral films
• Plates are automatically erased after processing
• Less risk of cross-infection
• Can be integrated into a computerised patient management system
• Image analysis available
  Disadvantages

• Plates have a limited life
• Require careful handling to maximise number of times they can be used
• Processing slower than when using a sensor system
• Lower image resolution 14 lp/mm

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