Digital radiology center
Integrated digital radiology center – what it is and how it helps patients
An integrated digital radiology center involves incorporating all state-of-the-art methods and technologies used in diagnosing dental conditions in one place. This means that the patient no longer needs to travel to undergo a radiological investigation. Additionally, the doctor will receive the processed three-dimensional image on the computer within minutes, allowing them to provide the patient with an accurate diagnosis and a proposed treatment plan 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. This allows the dentist to evaluate the quantity and quality of the bone structure and to see anatomical structures such as nerves or maxillary sinuses.
To perform a digital dental radiograph, a device is used that emits an extremely small amount of radiation, capturing informational material (teeth, roots, their placement on the arch, bone) and immediately transferring it in digital format to a computer. This way, the dentist can observe each bony and non-bony dental structure in real time and provide the patient with an accurate diagnosis and a personalized treatment plan.
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 is taken by having the patient bite on film, and shows 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 cavities (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)?
It is used to identify issues at the bone level, such as tumors or bone fractures, and for patients undergoing dental implant treatment to map the structure on which the implant will be placed, thereby 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?
A common question from patients regarding radiological investigations concerns the level of radiation exposure and the necessity of this procedure.
This type of investigation is absolutely necessary for the dentist to accurately determine the diagnosis and treatment plan for the patient. These investigations are performed in a very short and efficient time frame.
Digital radiological investigations are recommended at a frequency of no less than 1.5 to 2 years as a preventive measure. If there is a suspicion of a condition that requires a broader spectrum of investigations, the dentist will recommend which ones are needed and when they should be performed.
Regarding radiation exposure, CBCT (Cone Beam Computed Tomography) has the lowest level of radiation exposure, comparable to what a person experiences during a normal day of activity or a three-hour flight (such as a flight to London).