Digital Radiography

Digital radiography is a form of X-ray imaging, where digital X-ray sensors are used instead of traditional photographic film. Advantages include time efficiency through bypassing chemical processing and the ability to digitally transfer and enhance images. Also, less radiation can be used to produce an image of similar contrast to conventional radiography.

Instead of X-ray film, digital radiography uses a digital image capture device. This gives advantages of immediate image preview and availability; elimination of costly film processing steps, a wider dynamic range, which makes it more forgiving for over- and under-exposure; as well as the ability to apply special image processing techniques that enhance overall display quality of the image.

Higher quality of care : The equipment you use shapes the way your patients perceive your practice. Today’s patients are concerned about exposure to radiation and conventional radiography can put you at a disadvantage. Digital radiography typically reduces radiation exposure by 75% or more. That means your patients will notice a higher level of care when you use digital X-ray equipment.

X-ray image enhancement : Digital X-ray systems let you control the exposure of each image in real time, so you can make images darker or lighter on demand. You can also enlarge images, make enhancements to color and superimpose textures. These features improve your ability to detect disease and its current state. They also provide immediate visuals for compelling patient education. All this adds up to faster diagnosis and greater treatment plan acceptance.

Enhanced X-ray image quality : Clarity and detail are crucial in dental imaging. Digital X-ray equipment provides image quality that can surpass traditional film, bringing out tiny fractures and imperfections that might have been missed on film. However, not all dental X-ray systems are the same. That’s why it’s important to have digital radiography vendors demonstrate equipment with live X-rays, so you can judge the performance for yourself.

Fewer files cluttering office space : Filing, organizing and storing paper charts can be a real chore. With digital X-ray equipment, you eliminate the need to file and store hard-copy radiographic images. Access digital images stored in a database from any networked computer, directly from the software you use to view the images. You can also scan and store all of your pre-existing X-rays within the same database, freeing up even more office space.

No chemical developers : Nobody likes dealing with harmful developing chemicals and fixing solutions. Digital radiography eliminates the need for automatic film processors, taking with it the odor, wait times and space they require.

Time and productivity savings : Reduce the long processing time of conventional radiography to seconds. X-ray images are instantly stored and ready to view on your computer. No more thumbing through files to retrieve an image. With digital radiography, all your images are just a few clicks away. When your office needs to send an X-ray to an insurance company or another specialist, you don’t need to make a duplicate or deal with shipping. Digital X-rays are always ready to go. And when combined with NEA’s Fast Attach, you can fully automate the attachment portion of your daily dental claims processing.

Quick image sharing : Digital radiography gives your practice the ability to send images to other practitioners in just moments. Send digital X-rays while you’re talking on the phone or even while a patient is being treated. The result is better, faster collaboration between you and other dental professionals.

No more lost images : Eliminate the risk of losing important radiographs. Digital radiography safely stores your X-rays, so you won’t have to worry about films becoming loose from their holders or separated from their files. And when used with a Redundant Backup System, your images are safe even if the drive is stolen or lost in a fire, flood or other disaster.

Easier use than conventional radiography : With just a small amount of training, dentists and their staff can quickly become familiar with digital radiography equipment and you’ll wonder why your practice didn’t make the change before. Many dentists agree that digital radiography is easier, cleaner and faster than any conventional radiography.