Digital dental x-ray with periapical film

[rodsika]

It is said that digital dental x-ray has less radiation. Is it because the sensor used that acts faster in capturing the image. What if you use a traditional film on a digital dental x-ray. Would the radiation be the same?

 

[Drakkith]

I would expect that the sensor is much more sensitive than traditional film. A CCD or CMOS sensor in standard digital cameras is between 5-10 times as sensitive as traditional optical film is, so I would think it would be similar in the x-ray range.

 

[rodsika]

But digital xrays of perapical tooth is not as clear as traditional x-ray.. if anyone knows.. pls. tell why

 

[ThinkToday]

It is said that digital dental x-ray has less radiation. Is it because the sensor used that acts faster in capturing the image. What if you use a traditional film on a digital dental x-ray. Would the radiation be the same?

The question makes no sense to me. The x-ray tube isn't what is digital. The image receptor is digital.

Here are a couple of links that discuss digital imaging and digital vs. film/screen

http://www.aapm.org/meetings/05AM/pdf/18-2623-22086-53.pdf

http://www.aapm.org/pubs/reports/RPT_116Execsummary.pdf

This is a complex topic, so I’ll be rather general. As for patient dose in general, digital has some potential issues. In film and film/screen systems, the x-ray exposure level determines the image brightness and whether you can see what needs to be seen and the tissue contrast is controlled by the kVp of the x-ray. In the digital world, the x-ray exposure level tends to effect quantum mottle (noise). The brightness and contrast of digital images can be post-processed by adjusting a window level and width. In other words, an under-exposed or over-exposed film or film/screen image is of limited clinical use and obvious when it needs to be repeated. A digital image that is under-exposed or over-exposed can simply be windowed and leveled to make it "look" good. The underlying technique used to create the digital image may result in too much exposure, etc. There are a host of issues that are too much to get into. The first paper discusses how things work. The second paper discusses the need for standards and why. Bottom line, IMO, the equipment standards, protocols, acceptance, commissioning, testing, training, etc. are very important. Film, CR, and DR all have issues, mostly with the user.

 

[LudusRex]

There are several factors that contribute to the reduced radiation exposure with digital dental x-rays compared to traditional x-rays. The first factor is the use of a digital sensor, which is more sensitive and efficient in capturing the image compared to traditional film. This means that the sensor requires less radiation to produce a high-quality image, resulting in less exposure for the patient.

Additionally, digital x-rays also allow for the manipulation of the image after it has been taken, eliminating the need for retakes and further radiation exposure. With traditional film, retakes may be necessary if the image is not clear, leading to additional radiation exposure.

If a traditional film is used with a digital dental x-ray machine, the amount of radiation exposure would likely be similar to using traditional x-rays alone. This is because the traditional film does not have the same level of sensitivity as a digital sensor and would require the same amount of radiation to produce a clear image.

Overall, the use of digital dental x-rays reduces radiation exposure for patients due to the advances in technology and the ability to manipulate the image after it has been taken. It is important for dental professionals to stay updated on the latest technology and techniques in order to provide the best and safest care for their patients.