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Thinking of having a dental checkup? Most professionals have already made the switch from conventional film to digital imaging when it comes to dental technology nowadays. In their initial days, digital radiography systems did not offer the same diagnostic quality as conventional wet chemistry processing, but consistent advancements have laid these concerns to rest.
Dentists have also become more familiar with modern digital X-rays, which include both digital sensors and phosphor plate systems. Deciding between the two systems will depend on your clinic’s unique needs, but digital sensors typically offer the greatest benefits for dental care centers.
Phosphor Plate vs. Digital Sensors
To understand why digital sensors are winning out over phosphor plate technology, let’s look at a quick overview and comparison of the two systems:
- Digital Sensors – Also known as solid-state sensors, these include charge coupled devices (CCD) and complementary metal oxide semiconductors (CMOS). These tend to be bulkier than conventional dental X-ray film, but they do not need to be exposed for as long before the information gathered by sensors is converted to a digital image.
- Phosphor Plates – Also known as storage phosphor plates (SPP) or photostimulable phosphor plates (PSP), these are quite similar to conventional dental X-ray film (about the same size, thickness and exposure protocol). Latent images are stored in the phosphor crystals, read by a laser scanner and then converted to a digital image for diagnosis.
At the end of the day, both systems deliver the same results. However, there are some key differences that set them apart, especially in terms of how well they meet specific requirements. It’s crucial to understand these before you decide which one is the best fit for your practice and the dental treatment you offer.
Digital Sensors: What Benefits Do They Offer?
Here are some of the common benefits that dental hygiene and health professionals enjoy when they’re using digital sensors:
- Processing Speed – Digital sensors are without doubt the fastest system for dental radiography, with the exposure time for X-rays being as little as 0.10 seconds. The data gathered by multiple sensors within the mouth is instantly converted to a digital grayscale image displayed on the screen.
- High-Resolution Images – Digital sensor radiography systems give you clear, high-resolution images that can be used to make an accurate diagnosis. These high-res images captured within seconds, and can also be used with post-processing, measurement and image management software.
- Durability – Most digital sensors available today have been designed and tested for maximum durability. They often include safety features like silicon padding, shock-resistant cases, hermetic sealing (which makes them waterproof and dustproof, so they can be easily disinfected), etc.
- Flexibility – Digital sensor designs normally feature a flexible cord in addition to the other safety features listed above. Combined with the submergibility of the sensor, this makes it easier for dentists to position inside a patient’s mouth without damaging the cord.
- Accessibility – Since patient X-ray charts are available in digital form, it can be stored at a centralized location that’s easily accessible when required. Rather than digging through stacks of charts to find a particular one, technicians and dentists can call up relevant data instantly.
- Productivity – The speed and flexibility offered by digital sensors raises productivity at the workplace. By reducing the time required for X-ray preparation, exposure and post-processing, these systems also improve efficiency in terms of diagnosis and dental treatment.
Phosphor Plates: What Are Their Disadvantages?
Let’s consider some of the main disadvantages involved in using phosphor plate technology:
- Even with the use of digital phosphor plate systems, there’s no significant improvement in radiography processing time. Digital imaging through this technology takes almost the same time as conventional films.
- Phosphor plates are light-sensitive and need to be handled with extreme care. They need to be placed inside a protective envelope after use. Mishandling can lead to the occurrence of artifacts, light damage and other issues.
- If the protective envelope for the phosphor plate is torn, damaged or endangered in any way, it can put the patient’s health and safety at risk by transferring contaminated material to their mouth during use.
- If light-sensitive phosphor plates are handled incorrectly, they can be exposed to ambient light. This can cause the image to be erased before it’s converted to digital form, potentially affecting the diagnosis or leading to delays.
- Phosphor plate cannot be delivered pre-packaged. Each plate needs to be packaged in its protective envelope before it’s ready for use, which increases preparation time for the X-ray procedure.
Today, 4 out of every 10 dental practices have moved from conventional radiography to digital imaging. With the rate at which new dental technology is being adopted, digital X-rays will soon form the backbone of dental diagnostics. If you haven’t tried them yet, start exploring the possibilities and experience the difference now!
About the Author: Dr Amruta Patel is a warm and compassionate dentist caring for the community of San Antonio, TX. Dr. Patel attended Marquette University, where she received both her dental degree and her bachelor’s degree. She practices at All About Smiles, where she provides cosmetic braces, endodontic treatments, implants, and veneers, as well as basic general dental services. During her consultations, Dr. Patel fully explains patients’ conditions and helps them choose an appropriate treatment plan. Outside of practicing dentistry, Dr. Patel enjoys spending time with her husband and two dogs.
Featured Article: The Making of a Complete Risk Assessment by Dan Gospe, COO:This article details a process for completing a HIPAA risk assessment, in a practice that has not yet begun or has stopped in frustration.