Digital radiography uses digital sensors to create X-ray images that can be viewed on computers or other devices. It is commonly used in medical and dental offices and is safer and more cost-effective than traditional film-based X-rays. Dental imaging requires a slightly different process but still uses the same underlying technology.
Digital radiography is a type of X-ray imaging in which images are transposed digitally onto computers or other devices rather than being developed on film. Instead of using electromagnetic radiation and chemical processing to record an X-ray onto film, the digital versions use digital sensors to record the images to an imaging device, which then creates a digital image file. This file can then be used by medical staff members and can be attached to a patient’s medical notes for future reference. It can be printed on paper or slide material, so it can be used like any standard X-ray, but without the same risk and usually at a lower overall cost. The initial expenses with a digital system can be immense, but over time they usually pay for themselves. These types of imaging devices are most commonly seen in hospitals, medical specialist offices, and dental offices. Dental imaging requires a slightly different process, but the underlying technology and concept is the same.
General understanding of X-ray technology
Electromagnetic radiation has been used for many years in the medical profession for imaging and diagnostics. X-ray technology, known more simply as x-ray technology, allows you to capture accurate images of the internal composition of a person, animal or thing. A generator uses strong electromagnetic light coupled to a detector; most things, including humans, will naturally absorb some of the light, which is what allows the detector to map out specific images and locations.
Most early X-rays depended on photographic film to capture the images and make them readable. Digital detectors skip this step; instead of using light transmitted through objects on film, it allows for digital scanning and interpretation of the images. In terms of radiation the two are initially much the same, although the digital versions typically have a shorter exposure time and as such tend to be more efficient.
Indirect conversions
There are usually two types of digital radiography. The first, known as digital indirect radiography, involves flat panel amorphous silicon (a-Si) detectors and works by converting X-ray images into light and funneling the image through an amorphous silicon photodiode layer which converts it into a digital signal. The thin film transistors (TFTs) then read this digital output and this is transformed into a data file which can be viewed by the x-ray technician. The technician verifies that the x-ray is of high quality and clearly shows the desired body part then forwards it electronically to a radiologist for interpretation. This is the most common shape and is used for most medical images.
Accelerated imaging
The second type is direct digital radiography and involves amorphous selenium (a-Se) flat panel detectors. This uses a high voltage electrode to accelerate X-ray photons through a layer of selenium and the pattern is then recorded. This creates an image file which is sent directly to the technician and radiologist.
Special considerations for dental imaging
Digital dental radiography requires a slightly different process. Intraoral images are acquired by asking the patient to bite down on an X-ray sensor placed inside the mouth. There is much less radiation involved in digital scans than film-based electromagnetic radiation, so it is usually quite safe to take numerous X-rays and view all of your teeth from multiple angles. This is useful for checking for tooth decay or tooth problems that are easily missed during a clinic checkup.
Extraoral images are created by placing the sensor outside the mouth at the front of the head. This type of image typically shows all teeth from tip to root and is useful for identifying fractures or problems with the jaw. It is less effective at locating tooth decay or bone loss.
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