Digital Imaging in Dentistry: An Overview

Abstract

Digital radiography has been available in dentistry for more than 25 years, but it has not replaced conventional film-based radiography completely. This could be because of the costs involved in replacing conventional radiographic equipment with a digital imaging system, or because implementing new technology in the dental practice requires a bit of courage. As use of digital radiography becomes more common, many dentists are wondering if and how they can replace conventional film-based imaging with a digital system. This article presents an overview of the different technologies used for digital imaging in dentistry with a broad overview of the benefits and limitations of digital imaging. The principles of direct and indirect digital imaging modalities, image processing and image analysis will be discussed.

Biological changes after dental panoramic exposure: conventional versus digital

“…The advantages of using dental digital radiography include: optimization of image contrast and sharpness, ease of processing, less prolonged storage and the enhanced practicality of carrying out diagnostic procedures. 1 Digital radiographs can reduce the effective dose by up to 50% compared with conventional radiography. 2 This attempt represents one radiation protection procedure because, although dental radiography administers extremely limited doses, it is not completely without risk.…”

Recent advancements in dental digital radiography

“…[2] Digital radiography is a method of reproducing a radiographic image using a technology sensor of solid-state, which are broken into electronic pieces, and presented and stored as an image using a computer.…”

“…The gray value is a number that corresponds with the X-ray intensity at that location during the exposure of the sensor. [2] There are two advanced technologies that create digital images without an analog precursor; 1. Direct digital images 2.…”

“…The pixel array. [2] A CCD includes a sensor that is placed in the patient's mouth. A cable leads from the sensor to an interface, which is connected to a computer in the operatory.…”

“…Sensors are available in various sizes such as size 0, size 1, and size 2 to simulate the different film sizes used clinically. [2] There are two types of digital sensor array designs: Area and linear array design. Intraoral radiography uses area arrays, while extraoral imaging uses linear arrays.…”