Digital radiology center
Integrated digital radiology center – what it is and how it helps patients
An integrated digital radiology center involves the incorporation of all state-of-the-art methods and technologies used in diagnosing dental conditions in one place, so the patient no longer needs to travel for a radiological investigation. The dentist receives the processed three-dimensional image on the computer within minutes and can provide the patient with an accurate diagnosis and a treatment plan proposal during the first visit.
What is digital dental radiography?
Digital dental radiography is extremely useful in diagnosing dental conditions, providing the dentist with a highly precise tool for details and measurements. Based on this, the dentist can assess the quantity and quality of bone structure and view anatomical structures such as nerves or maxillary sinuses.
Is extremely useful in diagnosing dental conditions, providing the dentist with a highly precise tool for details and measurements. Based on this, the dentist can assess the quantity and quality of bone structure and view anatomical structures such as nerves or maxillary sinuses.
Top benefits of digital dental radiography:
Accuracy in diagnosis
Time efficiency – immediate preview and transfer to the computer
High-quality digital images
Minimal radiation exposure
Eliminates costs for film transfer as with classic radiography
Ability to apply image processing techniques to enhance image quality and zoom in on a single dental surface
Capability to store the material in electronic format (email, computer) for an extended period without deterioration
Comfortable process for the patient when taking images
Precision in identifying interdental caries or bone infections, cysts, tumors, etc.
Eco-friendly alternative by eliminating chemical processing and substances that harm the environment
Easily transferable for evaluation by multiple dentists
Types of digital radiographs for diagnosis
Digital dental radiographs can be taken intraorally and extraorally.
Intraoral digital dental radiography is the most common type of dental radiography taken in diagnosing an oral condition. It is used to identify dental caries, check the status and health of teeth and jawbones.
Types of intraoral digital dental radiographs:
- Bitewing intraoral dental radiograph taken by having the patient bite on film, showing details of the teeth on the upper and lower arches in a single area of the oral cavity. This type of digital radiograph is used to identify possible interdental caries (between teeth) and changes in bone density caused by periodontal disease. It also helps check the fit of a dental crown after prosthetic restoration and the integrity of the tooth post dental filling.
- Periapical intraoral dental radiograph captures the entire tooth from crown to root and supporting bone tissues on digital film. It helps identify abnormalities at the root level and the tooth's bone structure.
- Extraoral digital dental radiography is used to identify affected teeth, monitor jaw development, and identify certain dental issues that may affect the temporomandibular joints or other facial bones.
Types of extraoral digital dental radiographs:
- Panoramic Dental Radiograph (OPG) – provides a digital image of the entire oral cavity, including the teeth on the upper and lower dental arches. It is used in dental implant treatments, identifies the position of wisdom teeth, provides the dentist with precise information about jawbones and bone density, and helps diagnose bone tumors and cysts in the oral cavity.
- Cephalometric projections – mainly used by orthodontists, show the entire head structure, and help examine a dental condition related to the jaws.
- Computed tomography (CBCT): – transfers three-dimensional imaging to the computer, showing the internal structure of bones and tissues in the oral cavity and head.
More Details
Digital radiographs are used for:
- Identifying dental caries
- Checking the structure of a tooth (from crown to supporting bone)
- Identifying dental infections
- Identifying dental anomalies
- Diagnosing bone tumors
- Issues with the temporomandibular joints
What is computed tomography (CBCT)?
CBCT is used to identify bone problems, such as tumors or fractures, and for patients undergoing dental implant treatment to map the structure where the implant will be placed, avoiding complications during the procedure.
Advantages of CBCT:
- Facilitates communication between doctor and patient
- Provides very specific details about the jawbones for successful dental implant procedures
- Enables the dentist to identify aspects of the jaw structure to avoid during the implant procedure, such as nerve positioning
- Allows for the creation of surgical guides that the dental implant specialist will use as a reference for proper implant placement
- Provides predictability in treatment
- Features software that allows for control and customization of measurements regarding angulation in posterior implants, offering predictability for full oral rehabilitation treatments within 24 hours using the All-on-4 system
CBCT is successfully used in diagnosing dental conditions in the following dental specializations:
- Dental Implantology – diagnosis and placement of dental implants
- Creation of surgical guides for dental implant surgery
- Measuring bone density of the jaws
- Identifying sinus conditions
- Identifying tumors and cysts in the oral cavity
- Identifying jawbone fractures
- Oral Surgery
- Orthodontics
- Endodontics
How long does it take to perform a digital radiograph or computed tomography?
Performing a digital radiograph or computed tomography takes very little time, from a few seconds to a maximum of 60 seconds, depending on the area being investigated and patient preparation.
Are there any risks or restrictions associated with radiological investigations?
Patients often question the level of radiation exposure and the necessity of these procedures when it comes to radiological investigations. This type of investigation is absolutely necessary for the doctor to accurately determine the diagnosis and treatment plan for the patient. These investigations are performed in an extremely short and efficient time frame.
Digital radiological investigations are recommended no more frequently than every 1.5 to 2 years as a preventive measure. If there is suspicion of a condition requiring a broader spectrum of investigations, the doctor will recommend which ones are necessary and when they should be done.
Regarding radiation exposure, CBCT scans expose a person to a radiation level comparable to what one experiences during a normal day of activity or a three-hour flight (e.g., to London).