Advantages and disadvantages of digital dental radiography for veterinarians
Radiation is reduced, but sensors are costly to replace.
Advantages
>There is a 50% to 90% reduction in radiation needed to expose an image.
>DR images are displayed on the computer within seconds, eliminating processing chemicals and reducing anesthetic time.
>CR images are displayed after being inserted in the scanner within about 30 seconds, and the images come in various sizes (#0, 2, 3, and 4), providing flexibility in imaging.
>PSPs are very thin and flexible, providing easy placement in confined spaces.
>Errors in positioning and exposure can be corrected immediately without waiting for film processing.
>Computer storage makes retrieval and storage of the image easier than for conventional film and allows easy electronic transfer of radiographs to the patient file, consultant, or referring veterinarian.
>An image can be adjusted for better visualization-the image can be enlarged, the contrast and brightness can be changed, and the image can be inverted or rotated.
>Digital dental radiography provides extremely efficient progress evaluation during endodontic and oral surgery procedures.
Disadvantages
>Sensors are initially expensive, but over time they are less expensive than film-based radiology.
>At this time sensors are supplied only in periapical film size (#2). Since occlusal size (#4) sensors are not currently available, multiple exposures with smaller sensors are required, and sensors are rigid and thicker than standard dental film or PSPs and make acquisition of images in confined spaces more difficult.
>The sensors can become damaged, necessitating costly replacement.
>Digital dental radiography requires a computer in the dental operatory and extra time for computer patient input.
