Digital radiography uses computer technology and digital receptors for the acquisition, viewing, enhancement, storage, and transfer of radiographic images. Radiation-sensitive detectors capture and convert the image into numeric data, and enable image display on a monitor. An x-ray machine that produces small increments of radiation, a computer and monitor (with appropriate hardware, software and printing capabilities), an analog-to-digital converter, and a digital sensor are required components for the technology.
In intraoral digital radiography, analog data are acquired by the receptor (direct, which communicates via cable with the computer; and indirect, which requires a scanning step) and converted to digital data by an analog-to-digital converter. These receptors are highly sensitive sensors that require considerably less radiation exposure than film. Extraoral digital images can also be acquired via direct or indirect digital imaging systems. Digital panoramic and cephalometric machines employ either linear array CCD or CMOS detectors, or PSP plate sensors.
In addition to the frequently cited radiation dose reduction, digital radiography affords additional benefits, including the ability to more quickly view images and to enhance them via computerized image processing to improve, correct, analyze or alter. Other benefits include ease of storage, retrieval, duplication and transmission; and elimination of chemical processing/handling/waste.
With the holidays quickly approaching, it’s not too early to start thinking about your New Year’s resolutions. Perhaps your resolution is to acquire high-resolution digital images, or maybe 2019 is the year you’ll finally take the leap into CAD/CAM. No matter what your digital goals are, it’s helpful to choose a manufacturer that offers...
Q: What does it mean to be a fully digital practice in 2018? A: In my practice, what it really means to be fully digital is more than just one element, such as intraoral scanning, photography, video, or digital manufacturing processes. What it truly means to be digital, in my mind, is the integration of how all these systems are working...
In most retail stores, the sales going on in the first few months after the holiday season are on things you don’t need anymore—holiday decorations, calendars, Christmas candy. At Midmark, that couldn’t be further from the truth. Until March 31, 2018, Midmark is offering a $250 rebate on three imaging systems that you’ll use in your practice as...
Have you ever had to break up with a manufacturer because it dropped the ball on customer service? A dentist friend of mine had an experience like that recently and she literally described it as breaking up with the manufacturer…and her sales rep. Air Techniques understands the importance of that relationship and they’ve dedicated resources to...
As business owners, dentists should know about the Section 179 Deduction, but if you are not up to speed on the nuances and regulations, Panoramic Corporation would like to provide a resource for finding out more if you are considering year-end equipment purchases. Section 179 of the IRS Tax Code enables businesses to deduct the full purchase...
Having the right technology can make or break relationships with patients as well as referring doctors. It was normal when I was young for a general dentist to send patients to a specialist to determine if he or she needed a root canal or it was time to pull wisdom teeth. But today, it’s more common for dentists to have the diagnostic technology...
