Good quality dental imaging and x-ray equipment form an essential tool for the dentist that aspires to operate at the highest level of his profession.
Dental imaging equipment helps the dentist to see areas of the tooth structure that are not visible from external observation.
Dental imaging equipment can be direct or indirect. Direct imaging and x-ray equipment offer more simplicity because they do not need the use of chemical to process the image. Some indirect dental imaging equipment requires the use of chemicals and film to record the images. With advancements in technology it is possible to produce sophisticated 3D images that help in the diagnosis of dental problems and in the preparation of dental prosthesis.
What to look for when choosing dental imaging and x-ray equipment
Intra-oral/panoramic:
Although you may not use panoramic dental imaging equipment as much as intra-oral dental imaging equipment, chances are you cannot do without either of them so you are better off buying dental imaging equipment with this capability that can produce these kinds of images and even more if possible. Intra-oral dental imaging involves the imaging of the internal part of the mouth mostly teeth in a row or just and individual tooth. A panoramic view however is taken of half an arc of the mouth or a row of teeth.
Digital / or film dental imaging and x-ray:
Digital dental imaging equipment offer an advantage in that you can directly transfer the images to your office computer manipulate them, send them or file them for reference or for continued patient care. Film needing technologies takes time and takes more maintenance and funds because accessories like film and chemicals to develop the film. Digital imagery is cheaper than film dental imaging. Digital imaging also means less radiation exposure for the patient and also helps the dentist who wishes to maintain a paperless to do so.
Radiation protection:
It is important to provide protection against radiation for the operator of imaging equipment in the practice as well as the patient. The patients must be protected in all areas that are not under treatment and the operator should be behind a protective barrier to operate the imaging machine. If possible choose x-ray machines with DC high frequency rather than AC imaging machines as they emit less radiation. Exposure to x-ray radiation is believed to be carcinogenic; so this is something you will want to take very seriously in your clinic.
3-D imaging:
Although it is a relatively new feature in dental imaging industry it does come with considerable advantages. 3-D dental imaging is useful in the evaluation if craniofacial surgery and orthodontic treatment because it covers the dental structure but also includes the adjacent structure of the face and skull which are integral parts to the dental structure and play a role in the proper functioning of it.
These features have not been adequately covered by film and 2–D digital dental imaging. To be able to provide the most advanced dental services and to operate at an optimum level choose equipment with 3_D imaging capabilities. If prices are prohibitive you can always go for used dental imaging equipment
Caring for dental imaging equipment
It is important that equipment that may emit radiation is checked regularly to ensure that they are functioning well and that any protection provided within the practice for patients and operators are working well. Any dental imaging equipment with moving parts should be lubricated regularly. A more important consideration is the disinfection of any parts that may come in contact with patient mouths to prevent cross-infection.
As much as dental imaging equipment is concerned it is important to look into the future. Digital imaging and other advancements definitely make your work easier and record keeping is breeze. The initial cost will for sure pay back in a short while.
Tags for this article :Tags: Dental Equipment, Dental Imaging and X-Ray
