Digital radiography provides yet another safe and convenient technology for Dr. Clemenza’s patients. The form of X-ray imaging utilizes sensors instead of photographic film. Not only is the chemical process avoided and the images are digital, less radiation is required to produce a similar image from conventional radiography.
Digital Radiography (DR) or (DX) is essentially filmless X-ray image capture.
In place of X-ray film, a digital image capture device is used to record the X-ray image and make it available as a digital file that can be presented on the flat-screen television for interpretation and saved as part of the patient’s medical record.
The reduction in radiation offered by digital radiography—usually 70 to 80 percent, and at times even more—allows multiple periapical images for the same radiation exposure involved in a single periapical image obtained via conventional radiography. This reduction in radiation is especially important regarding implant placement or difficult endodontic therapy, in which multiple images frequently are needed.
In addition to the safety benefits, this technology allows Dr. Clemenza to immediately view the image and make a better diagnosis. That improvement provides a clinical advantage in endodontic therapy, implant surgery, evaluation of crown fit, placement of posts in endodontically treated teeth, evaluation of potential overhangs or open margins in newly placed restorations, detection of radiopaque foreign objects in soft tissue, and many other situations.
Dr. Clemenza uses the system from Dexis, an industry leader in developing high quality digital imaging solutions for the dental community. In 1997, the company introduced digital radiography on laptop computers—making it the first truly portable and affordable digital X-ray solution. In 2001 DEXIS became the first intra-oral digital radiography system to be accepted by the American Dental Association into the highly prestigious ADA Seal Program.
There are many advantages for digital radiography, such as lower dose in many examinations, image post-processing for disease-specific conditions, display flexibility to change the appearance of the image and aid the physician in making a differential diagnosis, and easy access to digital images.