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Some dentists changing to digital imaging of teeth [Messenger-Inquirer, Owensboro, Ky.](Messenger-Inquirer (Owensboro, KY) Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) Apr. 24--As technology continues to evolve, some Owensboro dentists have begun transitioning from traditional tooth X-rays with their small, black-and-white pictures, to digital images that pop up in color on computer monitors and show more detail. "The traditional X-rays are great," said Dr. Matt Johnson of Johnson Family Dentistry. "They've been around for a long time, they still work, a lot of practices have them. "But (digital imaging) is the thing of the future, and there are big advantages to it." For one thing, less radiation is used. "The amount of radiation in the traditional system is super-low, but with the digital system, it's one-tenth of that," Johnson said. "If I don't get the picture I want the first time, I could take 10 of those digital pictures and before equaling the amount of radiation in the traditional system. "It's quick and a whole lot easier to talk with a patient about what's going on." Johnson's practice has used the new technology, which cost about $40,000, since January. Owensboro dentist Mark Fort has used it for about six years. "The digital image is available in 3 or 4 seconds, or almost immediately," Fort said. "You don't have to wait the 5 minutes it took (for the traditional X-ray). "Other advantages are that there are no chemicals for developing the image, no dark room, no disposing of chemicals, storing the images is easier ..." Johnson said that using traditional X-rays, dentists hold the 1-inch image up to a lamp to show patients a problem area. Using a 15-inch computer screen, dentists direct an arrow around the image with a mouse. "It's not like we were missing things before, but this gives a much clearer picture and shows the extent of a cavity," he said. "You can (rotate) the picture on the screen to get different views. "It's easier to inform the patient about what's going on with the tooth, and to see why treatment is necessary." Said Fort: "There's an educational factor and 'wow' factor in seeing it up on the screen." Digital imaging also makes it easier to transmit a patient's dental pictures from one practice to another. Some things won't change for the patient. A bite-stick will still be inserted in the mouth to take the image, and a protective lead apron will be placed on the chest. However, dentists say that a patient will get more radiation from lying in the sun than having a traditional X-ray. "This is enhanced diagnosis," Johnson said. "With small decay, you can tell better how deep it is and whether it's getting to root canal status. "This way, you can get to things before something bigger happens." Rich Suwanski, 691-7315, [email protected] To see more of the Messenger-Inquirer, or to subscribe to the newspaper, go to http://www.messenger-inquirer.com. Copyright (c) 2010, Messenger-Inquirer, Owensboro, Ky. Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services. For reprints, email [email protected], call 800-374-7985 or 847-635-6550, send a fax to 847-635-6968, or write to The Permissions Group Inc., 1247 Milwaukee Ave., Suite 303, Glenview, IL 60025, USA. |