Digital Imaging in Dental Radiography

This set of flashcards covers key concepts, advantages, disadvantages, terminology, and procedural aspects of digital imaging in dental radiography.

What is digital imaging in dental radiography?

A method of capturing an image using a sensor, breaking it into electronic pieces, and presenting and storing the image on a computer.

What are the advantages of digital imaging over traditional film-based imaging?

Superior gray-scale resolution, reduced exposure to x-radiation, increased speed of image viewing, lower costs, increased efficiency, and effective patient education.

What are the two types of digital imaging?

Direct digital imaging and indirect digital imaging.

What components are involved in direct digital imaging?

An intraoral dental x-ray unit, a sensor, and a computer with imaging software.

How does a Charge-Coupled Device (CCD) work in digital imaging?

It captures the dental image by converting x-ray photons into electronic charges that are processed into a digital image.

Why is less radiation exposure required in digital imaging compared to film-based imaging?

Digital sensors are more sensitive to x-rays, requiring less exposure time.

What is a key purpose of using digital imaging in dentistry?

To generate images for diagnosing and assessing dental diseases.

What preparations are necessary for digital imaging?

Patient and equipment preparations, including ensuring sensors are waterproofed and covered with disposable barriers.

What is storage phosphor imaging?

A wireless digital imaging system using reusable imaging plates coated with phosphors that require scanning to convert information into electronic files.

What are the disadvantages of digital imaging?

Initial set-up costs, potential image quality issues, sensor size and thickness concerns, infection control challenges, wear and tear, and legal issues.