Naked Science Forum
Non Life Sciences => Technology => Topic started by: SoniaS99 on 08/02/2019 11:42:13
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What are your thoughts on digitisation in dentistry?
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Do you mean digital x-ray imaging? If so:
Direct digital intraoral radiography (DR) uses less radiation dose than film* and produces an "immediate" image. On the downside the inflexible sensors are difficult to position and not well tolerated by patients. "Wireless DR" is not much beter as the sensors are bigger and it is prone to interference from mobile phones
Computed radiography (CR) sensors are well tolerated and whilst not "instant", they give a consistent image in less time and a more convenient format than film. Some dentists prefer the better spatial resolution of film but almost everyone is replacing film with CR for robustness speed and ease of archiving the images
DR panoramic systems are excellent and cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) is all-digital by nature. DR-pan images are at least as good as film, and CBCT is unique. CR pan is a cheap and convenient intermediate replacement for film but most film pan machines are getting a bit creaky nowadays.
Film cephalometry is pretty rare nowadays - practically everyone uses DR because the cost and aggravation of full-size film is unacceptable.
*NB: half of "negligible" is still "negligible". The risk from a full-mouth x-ray investigation is less than the risk from driving to the appointment.
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Both the old film method and new digital method use X-rays.
I asked my wife (who worked as a dental assistant for 40 years) for her opinion.
She said the digital X-rays are better for the patient as they use less radiation, and the less radiation exposure, the better.
She thought that film had better resolution, at least when she was still working, but admits that digital images could have improved since then.
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I believe it is extremely important to always make progress in medicine. This applies both to diagnostic research methods and treatment methods.
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It depends on what exactly you want to know about. If you want to compare radiology methods, modern digital machines are much better at taking pictures and giving more diagnostic information that helps make a diagnosis. For example, to place an implant, the dentist must be sure they have chosen the right material and working length.