Custom «The Use of Digital Imaging in Dental Radiology» Essay Paper Sample

Introduction

Digital radiography is an X-ray imaging that utilizes advanced X-ray sensors to produce conventional photographic X-ray pictures of the teeth, gums, and other oral organs, for example, the tongue. It applies technology with the help of a computer and advanced receptors for the production, observation, improvement, storing, and exchange of radiographic images. This technology utilizes electronic sensors, for instance, charged couple devices or complementary metal-oxide semiconductors, and additionally computerized radiography by the use of photostimulable capacity phosphor plates and laser scanners. Digital dental images are obtained in three ways that include the direct method, semi-indirect method, and indirect method.  The direct method uses an electronic sensor that is positioned in the mouth to record pictures. For indirect method, it utilizes an X-ray film scanner to see conventional dental X-ray as automated images. The semi-indirect automated system combines a sensor and scanner to change dental X-ray into a digitalized film. This paper is about the uses of the X-rays in digital dental imaging that is essential in the initial process of dental caring.

Uses of Digital Imaging in Dental Radiology

Digital dental radiographs can be intraoral or extra oral. Intraoral radiographs are taken inside the mouth. These x-rays are the most regularly used dental X-rays; they give incredible detail and they are utilized to recognize cavities. In addition, they check the state of developing teeth and they allow monitoring the teeth and the bone health. There are two kinds, which are Bitewing X-rays and Periapical X-beams. The Bitewing X-rays are taken to the patient who bites down on the film, and they, therefore, show details of upper and lower teeth in one zone of the mouth. The Periapical X-rays display the entire tooth from the crown beyond the root tips to the supporting bone in one part of either the lower upper jaw (Lanca, Silva, & Lanoca, 2013).

The extra-oral X-ray does n0t avail intraoral X-ray details, thus it is not used to detect one’s tooth problem. However, they are utilized to identify affected teeth, monitor jaw development, and growth, and show the potential problem between teeth, jaws, and temporomandibular joints. Different types include Panoramic X-rays, Multi-slice computed tomography, Cephalometric projections, Sialography, and Cone beam computerized tomography. Panoramic X-rays requires a machine that turns around the patient’s head, display the whole mouth, incorporating all the teeth in the lower and upper arch in one digital image. These machines are utilized to arrange treatment for dental implants, identify infected wisdom teeth and jaw issues, and analyze bone tumors and cysts. The Multi-slice computed tomography demonstrate a distinct layer of the mouth while obscuring the other entire layer.  The Cephalometric projections show the whole head and examine teeth in connecting to the patient jaw and profile. Sialography utilizes a dye injected into the salivary organs so that they are visualized on the X-ray film. Cone beam automated tomography illustrates a three-dimensional image of body's interior structure. It is performed mostly in a clinic or imaging center but it is regularly utilized in a dental office (Whaites & Drage, 2013).

Digital radiographs uncover little-concealed areas of decay between teeth or beneath the existing filling, bone contaminations, gum infection, developmental abnormalities and tumors that cannot be identified with just a visual dental examination. Likewise, Digital radiographs can be visually viewed immediately on a computer screen, controlled to improve complexity and detail, and transmitted electronically to experts without quality loss. Computerized micro-storage innovation permits more data storage on small saving space in the drives. Likewise, Dental advanced radiographs take out concoction handling and transfer of dangerous squanders and lead foil, in this manner representing the eco-friendly option. The other advantage is that their data can be transferred faster to different dental specialists with compatible computer innovation or photograph printed for dental practitioners without perfect technology. This innovation holds fast to the As Low As Reasonably Achievable standard that advances radiation protection. The other benefit is that Digital radiograph has components, including differentiating, colorizing, 3-D, sharpness, flip, zoom, etc. that help in discovery and understanding, thus assisting in the diagnosis and patient training. Computerized images are exchanged and upgraded on computer screen beside the patient's chair. Lastly, Digital dental images can be put away efficiently in electronic patient records and sent rapidly electronically to insurance agencies, alluding dental practitioners or advisors, regularly wiping out or lessening treatment disturbance and leading to quicker dental insurance repayments (Lanca, Silva, & Lanoca, 2013).

Starting up of the digital radiograph is very expensive and costly for dental specialists, excluding maintenances, management, and repairs. Likewise, executing computerized radiography in a dental practice requires extra training that one must be technologically updated to interpret the existing innovation that rapidly gets to be out of date after a while. Additionally, some direct frameworks sensors are bulkier and thicker than dental movies, bringing about patient distress, particularly for those inclined to choke. Digital sensors are small as compared to standard film, so they show small image areas. Furthermore, they are thinner than film plates; the PSP plates are more likely to be damaged from twisting. Finally, in the infection control of the most advanced sensors and PSP plates, they cannot be sanitized; therefore, they require plastic barriers that must be changed from one patient to another to minimize cross contamination (Koch & Poulsen, 2013).

Conclusion

From the above discussion, it is seen that digital dental image is a preliminary treatment of the dental related complications. For example, it helps in the identification of the extent of the tooth decay. Despite this, even though radiation exposure is minimal with the digital radiographs, nobody ought to get more radiation than expected as the X-rays are always harmful to the human body. Hence, it is recommended for all to engage in the discussed process to identify any impending dental complication for treatment at an earlier stage.