The Patient Centered Dental-Health Home 2023-2026 - 71

Dental Equipment
Digital Radiography:
Recommended
Digital radiography
electronically captures,
loads, stores, and enhances
diagnostic images. There
are two types of digital
radiography: direct digital
and phosphor plate.
A direct digital system uses
wired sensors, which are placed in
the mouth in lieu of film. The sensors
connect directly to the computer system and
give an instant image. When taking a full-mouth
series, the same sensor is moved from one position
to the next in the patient's mouth, without any need
to change or erase the sensor. Sensors work well
for virtually all patients and manufacturers provide
excellent positioning systems to help staff correctly
place the sensors for good diagnostic results and
optimal patient comfort.
There are two key types of digital sensor sizes.
DEXIS produces a sensor that is essentially the size
of traditional child film but has an imaging size that
is approximately equal to adult film. This sensor
therefore allows for a single sensor size to serve
all patients. DEXIS therefore not only provides an
excellent image but versatility and cost-effectiveness.
The second type of digital sensor
sizing includes sizes 0, 1, 2. Size 0 is
so small it captures very little that is
diagnostically useful. We recommend
that buying size 0 sensors is an
unnecessary expense that can be
avoided. Size 1 is useful for small
children and size 2 equals an adultsize
image. With positioning kits to aid,
any patient who can tolerate having an
X-ray taken can be accommodated with
the recommendations made in this section.
Phosphor plates may be easier for some to correctly
place in the mouth than sensors but they require a
second step of processing and erasing before they
can be viewed. Processing through a scanner takes
several seconds before the image is sent to the
computer monitor. Phosphor plates require careful
handling to extend their life. They can be reused
until they are too damaged or scratched to produce
a diagnostic-quality image.
With image and record management software
and regular backups, digital images will never be
lost and the need to search for records will be
eliminated. Digital radiography improves the ease
of compliance to HIPAA standards while enabling
easy transfer of images to specialty referrals and
insurance companies for review.
Imaging Software and Utility Closet Equipment
Imaging Software: Essential
All digital radiography requires imaging software. This is different from
the EDR. Imaging software is where the digital X-rays are stored,
viewed, and manipulated. To ensure cohesive patient care, imaging
software that integrates directly with the patient's records is
invaluable. Imaging software should be easy and intuitive to use
and patients benefit from being able to review their X-rays with the
dentist with images the size of an entire computer monitor rather
than tiny traditional films. Many software applications advertise
a plethora of features. In reality, most dentists use few of those:
contrast adjustment, image magnification, and colorization of tissues
are examples of commonly used and beneficial software features.
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The Patient Centered Dental-Health Home 2023-2026

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of The Patient Centered Dental-Health Home 2023-2026
