Wednesday, June 15, 2011

Methods Of Dental Digital Imaging

By Marsha Silva


Standard dental procedures, such as cavities, repairs and other routine processes make use of dental digital imaging as part of the activity. This process is quite similar to established x-ray techniques, but updated processing has eliminated the need for standard film. Rather than print the image onto film, it is instead stored on a digital apparatus, such as a camera or disc.

Emergency dentistry work, such as broken teeth, can now be attended to in a much more timely fashion with the use of digitized pictures. Previously, when only conventional film x-rays were in use, the dentist was forced to wait for a graphic to be processed and returned before properly assessing the condition. Fortunately, electronically captured x-rays require no processing delay and can be seen in just moments. The details of a problem are quickly analyzed when the x-ray is viewed on computer or television monitors.

One device that is used in dentistry images is an intra-oral x-ray. The camera portion for the device is placed inside the patients mouth at a strategic location to obtain the most detailed picture of any tooth in need of repair. Depending on the person's mouth size and the nature of the problem, this gives the dentist an up close and detailed view.

When a dentist needs a wider image of the tooth to be repaired, an extra-oral camera is used. This device captures the image from outside the mouth, much like a traditional x-ray would. Quite often, teeth in close proximity will share damage or be causing the affliction. Having a broader view of the area in question is a valuable diagnostic tool for a dentist.

Tooth impressions can also be captured through digitized x-rays. At one time, dental impressions required a mold of the person's teeth. However, a panoramic camera can capture the entire mouth from side to side, creating a digitized impression. This allows a full view of all the teeth at one time.

Advances in imagery are often used in conjunction with cosmetic software programs to preview the outcome of certain procedures. If a patient wishes to have dental implants, or repair a chipped tooth, the outcome can be viewed beforehand. This allows the patient to clearly see the changes that can be made with cosmetic procedures, to make an informed decision.

While many dentistry fundamentals remain unchanged, dental digital imaging is an invaluable diagnostic aid. It reduces treatment time, which in turn, reduces prolonged discomfort for a patient. It also allows preventative measures to be put into action for overall health of teeth.




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