Use Of Digital Radiography Research Articles

Is The transition to digital era here? --- A cross sectional study amongst Dental Practitioners vis-à-vis the usage of digital imaging in Bhopal

Background: Scientific evidence supports the idea that transitioning from conventional to digital radiography is now essential since it reduces exposure to ionizing radiation. The primary aim of this study was to assess the attitude, awareness and knowledge of dental practitioners of Bhopal, to the use of digital radiography. The objectives were identifying reasons for incorporating digital imaging, and the attitude towards wanting to make a transition from conventional method. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted amongst the private dental practitioners in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh. A structured questionnaire was shared using Google platform. Results: Out of the 350 respondents, 279 (79.71%) reported using digital radiography, with 32.85% believing that the benefits of digital radiography were the decreased patient exposure, improved image, long-term cost savings, and improved image quality in particular to see the root canals and measure bone loss. Conclusion: A majority of respondents were positively influenced by the usage of digital imaging in their routine practice. Keywords: Digital imaging, dental practitioner, dosage, radiography. Background: Scientific evidence supports the idea that transitioning from conventional to digital radiography is now essential since it reduces exposure to ionizing radiation. The primary aim of this study was to assess the attitude, awareness and knowledge of dental practitioners of Bhopal, to the use of digital radiography. The objectives were identifying reasons for incorporating digital imaging, and the attitude towards wanting to make a transition from conventional method. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted amongst the private dental practitioners in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh. A structured questionnaire was shared using Google platform. Results: Out of the 350 respondents, 279 (79.71%) reported using digital radiography, with 32.85% believing that the benefits of digital radiography were the decreased patient exposure, improved image, long-term cost savings, and improved image quality in particular to see the root canals and measure bone loss. Conclusion: A majority of respondents were positively influenced by the usage of digital imaging in their routine practice. Keywords: Digital imaging, dental practitioner, dosage, radiography.

Orthopedic Injury Diagnosis Using Digital Radiography: A Retrospective Study

Background: Hundred patients were examined to determine the effectiveness of digital radiography in detecting Orthopedic injuries. The decisive findings showed that digital radiography was quite efficient, with a 91% diagnostic success rate. As a result, digital radiography is an effective and cost-effective method for identifying Orthopedic injuries. Aim: The comparison of digital radiography with other Orthopedic imaging modalities is intended to ascertain how well it can diagnose injuries and how much it costs. figuring out the factors that determine how accurate it is at detecting Orthopedic injuries. Methods: We did a retrospective analysis at the radiology department of the Khyber Teaching Hospital in Peshawar from Feb 2016 to Feb 2017. The medical files and radiographic pictures of hundred individuals who underwent digital radiography for orthopedic injuries were the subject of our study. In the course of our investigation, we also gathered demographic information including age and sex. Two radiologists separately analysed the radiography pictures to get the most reliable findings. The agreement between the final diagnoses provided by the attending Orthopedic surgeon and the radiologists was our definition of accurate diagnosis. Finally, we evaluated how much the digital radiography would cost. Results: Comparing digital radiography to more expensive imaging techniques like CT and MRI revealed considerable cost reductions. [91%] of the patients received the right diagnosis after the use of digital radiography. Results were inconclusive or incorrect for the remaining [9%]. Conclusion: This research found that the diagnosis of Orthopedic injuries using digital radiography was both economical and accurate. The accuracy rate was satisfactory, with patient correct diagnostic rates of[ 91%]. In addition, compared to other imaging methods, digital radiography was much less expensive. Keywords: Orthopedic injuries, diagnosis, accuracy, cost-effectiveness, digital radiography

Radiation Dose Reduction in Different Digital Radiography Systems: Impact on Assessment of Defined Bony Structures in Bearded Dragons (Pogona vitticeps).

Three different digital detector systems were used to study the effect of a defined radiation dose reduction on the image quality of digital radiographs in bearded dragons (Pogona vitticeps). A series of radiographs of seven bearded-dragon cadavers with a body mass ranging from 132 g to 499 g were taken in dorsoventral projection. The digital systems employed included two computed radiography systems (CR) (one system with a needle-based and one with a powdered-based scintillator) and one direct radiography system (DR). Three levels of the detector dose were selected: A standard dose (defined based on the recommended exposure value of the CRP, D/100%), a half dose (D/50%), and a quarter dose (D/25%). Four image criteria and one overall assessment were defined for each of four anatomic skeletal regions (femur, rib, vertebra, and phalanx) and evaluated blinded by four veterinarians using a predefined scoring system. The results were assessed for differences between reviewers (interobserver variability), radiography systems, and dosage settings (intersystem variability). The comparison of the ratings was based on visual grading characteristic (VGC) analysis. Dose reduction led to significantly lower scores in all criteria by every reviewer, indicating a linear impairment of image quality in different skeletal structures in bearded dragons. Scores did not differ significantly between the different systems used, indicating no advantage in using a computed or direct radiography system to evaluate skeletal structures in bearded dragons. The correlation was significant (p ≤ 0.05) for interobserver variability in 100% of the cases, with correlation coefficients between 0.50 and 0.59. While demonstrating the efficacy of the use of digital radiography in bearded dragons and the similar quality in using different computed or direct radiography systems, this study also highlights the importance of the appropriate level of detector dose and demonstrates the limits of post-processing algorithm to compensate for insufficient radiation doses in bearded dragons.

Anatomical Side Marker Use in Digital Radiography at the University Teaching Hospital (UTH) of Lusaka, Zambia

Background: All general radiographic images must always display a correct permanent anatomical side marker (ASM). However, literature reports a decline in the use of permanent ASMs in digital radiography (DR). The ASM has been reported as one of the most common sources of error in radiography of which some have resulted in performing wrong-site surgery and treatment. Since the installation of a DR X-ray machine in 2015 at the University Teaching Hospital (UTH) no research or audit has been conducted on this subject. Aim: This study aimed at auditing the use of ASMs in digital radiography (DR) and identifying the barriers to the use of permanent ASMs at the University Teaching Hospital (UTH) of Lusaka, Zambia. Methodology: This study was conducted in two phases. The first phase involved a retrospective auditing of the use of ASMs in DR with a sample of 290 radiographic images. Data were collected using a checklist. The second phase was aimed at identifying the barriers to the use of permanent ASMs and suggestions to overcome them. Data were collected using an online questionnaire. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics, whilst qualitative data from open-ended questions were analysed using content analysis. Results: In the first phase, all the audited images N=290 (100.0%) had electronic (digital) ASMs and were placed on the correct anatomical side (right or left). However, no image had a permanent ASM. A total of N=45 (18.8%) images had ASMs that obscured the anatomy. In the second phase, a total of N=20 (46.0%) respondents agreed that they do not always use permanent ASMs because of a lack of ASMs, increased workload, and time-consuming. Conclusion: This study revealed the non-use of permanent ASMs by radiographers and radiography students. The purchasing of permanent ASMs and delivery of educational awareness programme is recommended as well as frequent auditing.

The use of digital radiography in the morphological evaluation of tumor response to neoadjuvant treatment of breast cancer

To optimize the morphological assessment of tumor response to neoadjuvant therapy in breast cancer. A retro- and prospective cohort study was conducted. The object of the study was the surgical material. Macroscopic parameters of residual tumor without and with the use of digital radiography (digital X-Ray) are described and analyzed. PathVision Faxitron imaging system was used for digital X-ray samples. An analysis of dynamics of clinical characteristics was carried out. Two methods of tumor bed examination were compared. The study cohort included 32 women, mean age 45.5±14 years. The correlation of the results of instrumental methods was 0.66 ([95% CI: 0.28; 1], p=0.0002). Microcalcinates were detected by digital X-Ray in 29 (90.6%) cases. Tumor bed sizes determined macroscopically (mean maximal size 6.1 (3.3) cm, median 5.2 (3.4-8.0) cm) and by using digital X-ray (mean maximal size 4.8 (2.6) cm, median 4.1 (2.7-6.2) cm), had statistically significant differences (p<0.0001). The agreement between the two methods of studying the tumor bed was 96.9%. The Cohen's kappa value was 0.95 (p<0.0001). Morphological study is an integral part of clinical trials of drug efficacy. With the help of digital X-Ray, the identification of metal markers placed in the tumor bed and microcalcinates is facilitated by the morphologist, and the visibility of the boundaries of the tumor bed is also improved. The results obtained showed that the use of digital X-Ray can improve the accuracy of assessing the degree of morphological regression of breast cancer in response to treatment.

Wheel-made pottery of the Przeworsk culture in the light of digital radiography examinations. Preliminary study of vessels from the microregion to the east of the lower Raba River

The article presents the results obtained by examining wheel-made pottery with the use of digital radiography. As exemplified by selected fragments, the possibilities offered by this method of studying the production techniques applied in Przeworsk culture ceramics are presented. Vessel sherds from the younger and late Roman period from workshops located in the microregion east of the lower Raba River (sites in Strzelce Małe and Bessów) were analysed. Analysis of X-radiography images offers some insight into the features of the primary forming techniques used and the structure of the clay fabric.

Dose Optimization and Image Quality in Digital Radiography: A Review Article

Imaging techniques have been upgraded due to the invention of digital radiography. This advancement has made a massive change in the development of diagnostic procedures. This technique has displaced conventional radiography with digital methods of radiography. This radiography technique was accepted in all kinds of radiography, excluding mammography. There are many assets of using a digital process for imaging, like good quality of image with less dose. It gave accurate diagnosis for assured quality of image with high resolution and to avoid overdose proper guidelines are needed. The technician should be well trained and have adequate knowledge of the appropriate use of digital radiography. The flat detector system depicts a more efficient way to form an image of high quality with a low dose; the quality of the image increases due to the storage phosphor. Many institutions have accepted this digital radiography as it has proven beneficial for diagnostic procedures. Digital radiography has a flat panel detector that results in a high-resolution image. It has been noticed that screen-film radiography has been superseded by Digital radiography. Nowadays, manufacturers have made many improvements derived from the detector and different technology to Digital radiography equipment. Due to digital imaging techniques, x-rays are allowed to store digitally that can use anytime by adjusting contrast according to the interest of vision. This technology has given assurity of not losing any radiograph and allows dispensing throughout hospitals digital by online technology derived from the web. There are so many assets of using digital radiography as it increases patient count. The vigorous high scale of the digital detector with as low as possible radiation dose for the proper usage of this technology, radiologists and radiographers should have adequate knowledge of various technical postulates &amp; image calibre. They should know how to tackle the problem of overexposure or radiation dose.

Pre-Operative Digital Templating Aids Restoration of Leg-Length Discrepancy and Femoral Offset in Patients Undergoing Total Hip Arthroplasty for Primary Osteoarthritis.

BackgroundPre-operative planning and templating is a crucial pre-requisite for total hip arthroplasty (THA). Recently, the use of digital radiography has allowed templating to be digitalised instead of traditional methods involving the use of radiograph transparencies. The primary aim of this study was to compare the accuracy in correction of leg length discrepancy (LLD) and restoring femoral offset in patients undergoing THA for primary osteoarthritis with pre-operative digital templating (PDT) versus conventionalplanning without digital templating.MethodsThis retrospective cohort study compared two groups of patients who underwent THA for primary osteoarthritis. During the period of the year 2020, 56 patients underwent THA with pre-operative digital templating and 50 patients without digital templating. Two independent blinded observers recorded all radiological data.ResultsThe digital templated and non-digital templated cohorts were matched for variables including age (mean = 71.8 years vs 70.9 years), pre-operative LLD (-4.9mm vs -5.2mm) and pre-operative offset (41.2mm vs 43.7mm). PDT resulted in correction of LLD to <5mm compared to the contralateral hip in 76.8% of cases, 5-10mm in 21.4% and >10mm in one case (1.8%). The non-digital templated cohort had a LLD of <5mm in 50% of cases, 5-10mm in 28% and >10mm in 22%. Chi-square testing demonstrated these results to be statistically significant (p = 0.002). The mean pre-operative offset in the digital templated group was 40mm and 46mm post-operatively. The non-digital templated cohort had a mean pre-operative offset of 42mm and 36mm post-operatively. Independent t-testing revealed statistical significance of these results (p = 0.05).ConclusionPDT leads to an increased likelihood of restoring LLD to <5mm and a significantly increased likelihood of preventing lengthening >10mm. PDT also significantly increases the chance of restoring femoral offset to match the pre-operative native hip. Decreased offset is seen predominantly in the non-digitally templated patients.

Новий метод виконання міжфасціальної блокади м’язів — випрямлячів спини (erector spine plane block) для лікування больового синдрому

Актуальність. Остеохондроз хребта є однією з найбільш частих причин появи больового синдрому в спині та кінцівках. Методи лікування варіюють від лікувальної фізкультури та масажу до складних транспедикулярних фіксацій хребта з декомпресією спинного мозку та його корінців. У найскладніших випадках, незважаючи на адекватно проведене оперативне втручання, больовий синдром повертається з не меншою інтенсивністю. Метою нашої роботи було описати клінічний випадок лікування больового синдрому при поширеному остеохондрозі хребта з післяопераційним м’язово-тонічним синдромом. Результати. Хронічний біль не піддавався лікуванню нестероїдними протизапальними препаратами та прегабаліном, проте його ефективно купірували за допомогою техніки регіонарної анестезії: міжфасціальної блокади м’язів — випрямлячів спини. Основною складністю і небезпекою при проведенні блокади було те, що вже наявна в пацієнта металоконструкція змінила анатомічні орієнтири, а метал, з якого вона складалася, розсіював ультразвукові промені, тому зображення на моніторі ультразвукового апарату стало недостатньо якісним для безпечного та ефективного виконання регіонарної анестезії. Блокаду м’язів — випрямлячів спини було виконано під контролем цифрової рентгенографії. Висновки. Блокада м’язів — випрямлячів спини може бути використана для лікування болю незалежно від його етіології. Альтернативою ультразвукової навігації при проведенні блокад може бути цифрова рентгенографія, особливо в разі, коли ультразвукове дослідження є технічно складним чи неможливим.

Comparison of Diagnostic Accuracy of Cone Beam Computed Tomography(CBCT) and Digital Radiography Measurements as an Aid in the Placements of Dental Implants: A Retrospective Stud

Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) has gained wide popularity among dentists. This can be attributed to its ability to provide bone morphology, bone dimension details and vital structure locations by producing cross-sectional images along the arches. However, one of the reasons routine usage is hampered is its high cost. It would be a great benefit to the practice of dental implants if there was a more economical alternative. Anatomic landmarks in both the maxilla and the mandible are important to be considered during implant placement, and if overlooked, may lead to failures and complications and this is where Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) has a slight edge over its other diagnostic counterparts. However, newer digital radiographs have been found to be economical and fairly accurate in line with the highly sophisticated CT scans. Therefore, this study aimed to compare and assess the diagnostic accuracy of CBCT and digital radiography (vistascan) in the placement of implants, which may provide an aid in terms of providing an accurate implant size during the surgical procedure for successful dental implant placement. Data was collected from CBCT and vistascan image measurements made pre-operatively prior to implant placement. The measurements were then compared using certain anatomical landmarks as reference in the maxillary and mandibular arches and additionally, with the actual size of implant placed post-operatively. Statistical analysis using SPSS V22 and paired ‘t’ tests and ANOVA revealed no significant differences in the measurements between both the images. (P&gt;0.05). Additionally, both the image measurements were very close to the actual size of the implant placed. Since both imaging techniques were similar in terms of accuracy for implant placement, use of digital radiography (vistascan) may be encouraged as a cost effective option as against CBCT which is expensive for routine assessment.

A survey on radiation exposure reduction methods including rectangular collimation for intraoral radiography by pediatric dentists in the United States

BackgroundThe authors conducted a survey of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) to determine awareness of the Image Gently Campaign in Dentistry (IGCD) and to ascertain radiologic practices, including radiation dose-reduction strategies such as rectangular collimation. MethodsAn institutional review board approved an electronic survey sent to 7,087 AAPD members covering practitioner demographic characteristics, radiographic techniques, and dose-reduction practices, including rectangular collimation. Responses were tabulated and analyzed using binomial tests, χ2 tests, and Fisher exact tests. ResultsA total of 1,124 pediatric dentists or residents in pediatric dentistry responded, (response rate 16%, margin of error ± 2.7%). The largest group (23.8%) graduated after 2010. More than 90% indicated that they followed American Dental Association (ADA)-AAPD radiation exposure guidelines, but only 33.5% were aware of IGCD. Almost all respondents used direct digital systems, storage phosphor plates, or both. Only 22.3% (n = 220) used rectangular collimation. Nonusers indicated that they were unfamiliar with collimation (33.3%) or concerned about potential for increased cone cuts (30.2%), 11.6% of respondents were unaware of any regulatory requirements for inspections of radiographic equipment recurring at regular intervals, and 4.1% of respondents considered use of lead aprons optional. ConclusionsAlthough the pediatric dentists surveyed believe they are in compliance with ADA-AAPD guidelines, most are unaware of IGCD recommendations. Use of digital radiography is almost ubiquitous, but use of rectangular collimation is limited. Practice ImplicationsDentists treating children should be familiar with ADA-AAPD radiation exposure guidelines and should consider using the dose-reduction strategies recommended by IGCD.

ABOUT THE PROCEDURAL FRAMEWORK OF THE DIGITAL RADIOGRAPHY AT HAZARDOUS INDUSTRIAL FACILITIES

Radiation testing is non-destructive testing method widely used to detect internal imperfections of technical devices, buildings and constructions at hazardous industrial facilities. Digital radiography is the modern method, which uses phosphor imaging plate as the detector of ionizing radiation. Creation of the relevant procedural framework is the necessary condition for the use of digital radiography at hazardous industrial facilities.

Digital Radiography For Inspection Of Welded Joints For Industrial Pipelines And Building Constructions

When installing bearing metal structures as well as when constructing technological pipelines in the oil and gas industry, welded joints are widely used. Non-destructive testing methods are used to control the quality of such joints. To date, one of the most popular methods of control is radiographic. In recent times, there is a gradual transition to modern technologies of radiographic control – digital radiography. The use of digital radiography makes it possible to immediately obtain a digital image of the welded joint that provides the possibility of better and faster decoding of images and detection of existing defects. General information on digital radiography, its features and advantages compared to analog (works in the field, the lack of use of "wet" processes and chemical reagents, repeated use of film, etc.) is presented. The sequence of operations of the radiographic control method is also presented. The economic efficiency of digital radiography in comparison with analog radiography is shown. It is concluded that the development of digital radiography in Russia requires the development of national standards that will cover the full range of problems arising when applying this type of control, as well as to establish quality training and education of specialists capable of working with specialized equipment.

Projection X-ray Imaging: Radiography, Mammography, Fluoroscopy.

Recent advances in digital detector technology for medical radiography and fluoroscopy have resulted in improved workflow efficiency, operational flexibility, image quality, and diagnostic accuracy. This is attributed to the implementation of portable flat-panel x-ray detector devices able to provide real-time readout, processing, and display of medical images. As a result, digital radiography flat-panel detectors are rapidly replacing computed radiography passive detectors for projection imaging exams and image intensifier detectors for dynamic fluoroscopy exams. Advanced exam capabilities now include digital tomosynthesis and dual-energy radiography; the former is based on rapid acquisition of multiple angle-dependent image projections to synthesize tomographic slabs at selectable depths within the patient, and the latter is based on rapid back-to-back acquisition of the same anatomy at low and high x-ray energies to generate separate soft tissue and bone images. In both situations, superimposition of anatomy is reduced or eliminated, with the possibility of enhanced diagnostic confidence. Increased x-ray absorption efficiency and lower electronic noise of digital radiography detectors compared to computed radiography detectors enable equal image quality at lower patient dose; however, because of a disconnect between image appearance and radiation dose, lower patient dose is not always achieved. Education, training, and implementation of standards such as the International Electrotechnical Commission 62494-1 Digital Radiography Exposure Index are needed to ensure image quality at the lowest appropriate radiation dose. The National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements can contribute to radiation responsibility in medical imaging by providing guidance on use of digital radiography, including recommendations for acquisition protocols and exposure index standards, for development of radiographic exam diagnostic reference levels, and for oversight of retake and reject analysis.

Urethral Stenting for Obstructive Uropathy Utilizing Digital Radiography for Guidance: Feasibility and Clinical Outcome in 26 Dogs.

BackgroundUrethral stent placement is an interventional treatment option to alleviate urethral outflow obstruction. It has been described utilizing fluoroscopy, but fluoroscopy is not as readily available in private practice as digital radiography.ObjectivesTo describe the use of digital radiography for urethral stent placement in dogs with obstructive uropathy.AnimalsTwenty‐six client‐owned dogs presented for dysuria associated with benign and malignant causes of obstructive uropathy that underwent urethral stent placement.MethodsRetrospective study.ResultsCauses of obstructive uropathy included transitional cell carcinoma, prostatic carcinoma, hemangiosarcoma, obstructive proliferative urethritis, compressive vaginal leiomyosarcoma, and detrusor‐sphincter dyssynergia. Survival time range was 1–48 months (median, 5 months). All dogs were discharged from the hospital with urine outflow restored. Intraprocedural complications included guide wire penetration of the urethral wall in 1 dog and improper stent placement in a second dog. Both complications were successfully managed at the time of the procedure with no follow‐up problems noted in either patient.Conclusion and Clinical ImportanceUrethral stent placement can be successfully performed utilizing digital radiography. The complications experienced can be avoided by more cautious progression with each step through the procedure and serial radiography. The application of digital radiography may allow treatment of urethral obstruction to become more readily available.

Level of knowledge of dental practitioners in Isfahan, Iran about cone-beam computed tomography and digital radiography.

Dear Editor, The selection of appropriate diagnostic techniques is an important step in the treatment of disease. An optimal diagnostic method can provide essential information, while minimizing cost and harm to patients. In dental radiography, attempts have been made to reduce patient exposure to radiation. Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) and digital radiography were developed to achieve this goal. CBCT is becoming the preferred cross-sectional imaging technique for dental practitioners1 due to its advantages, such as low cost, easy accessibility, and a low radiation dose, compared to multi-slice computed tomography.2 Some of the applications of CBCT include the localization of supernumerary and impacted teeth,3 the examination of the temporomandibular joint,4 the detection of cysts and tumors of the jaw,5 the detection of root fractures,6 the assessment of root canal configurations,7 treatment planning for the placement of dental implants,8 and orthodontic diagnoses. 9 Digital radiography is another widely popular radiographic modality in dental practice, with advantages including a decreased radiation dose, easy digital storage and electronic transmission, and not requiring a darkroom.10 It is necessary to determine the level of knowledge of dental practitioners about the abovementioned imaging modalities and whether both conventional and novel techniques are being used efficiently in oral and maxillofacial radiology. We assessed the level of knowledge of dental practitioners about CBCT, digital radiography, and the correct indications for referring patients to oral and maxillofacial radiologists. A total of 110 questionnaires were distributed among dental practitioners attending continuing education courses in the city of Isfahan, Iran. The questionnaire contained 19 questions addressing the demographic characteristics of the participants, their level of knowledge about CBCT, and their knowledge about appropriate indications for referring patients for digital radiography and CBCT. Appendix 1 contains the questionnaire form, adopted from the study of Dolekoglu et al.11 The data were analyzed using SPSS version 22 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA). Eighty questionnaires were returned (response rate, 72.73%). Of the respondents, 53.4% were male and 46.6% were female, with a mean age of 39.3±7.4 years (range, 25-54 years). No significant differences were observed between males and females regarding the usage of digital radiography or CBCT (P=0.990 and P=0.348, respectively). Moreover, Fisher's exact test failed to find significant differences among dentists regarding the use of digital radiography or CBCT based on their time of graduation (P=0.418 and P=0.350, respectively). The field of practice was not significantly associated with the use of digital radiography or CBCT (P=0.116 and P=0.135, respectively). The t-test revealed no significant difference among practitioners in different age groups regarding the usage of digital radiography or CBCT (P=0.218 and P=0.247, respectively). A total of 33.7% of the respondents reported using digital radiography. Moreover, 18.8% of dental practitioners reported referring their patients for CBCT, while 46.3% of the respondents had never referred a patient for CBCT. Table 1 summarizes the reasons provided by the practitioners for using or not using digital radiography. As shown, the most important reason for using digital radiography among dentists is that it eliminates the conventional film developing process. However, 55.4% of the practitioners did not use digital radiography due to lack of the necessary tools. Table 2 demonstrates the frequency of different indications for using CBCT. As shown, the most frequent indication for using CBCT is planning implant placement. Since the use of implants is currently growing very quickly, we can expect that CBCT will soon be used increasingly frequently in our country. Table 1 Reasons for using or not using digital radiography. Table 2 Frequencies of different indications for cone-beam computed tomography imaging. We found that dental practitioners in the city of Isfahan mostly used conventional radiography, despite their acceptable knowledge about the benefits of digital radiography. The high cost of equipment seems to be the main obstacle in this regard. Moreover, despite an acceptable level of knowledge about the benefits of CBCT, the participants rarely referred their patients for this imaging modality. Only five centers in our city currently possess CBCT equipment. This may indicate that it is necessary to equip more oral and maxillofacial radiology centers in our city with CBCT systems.

Recent advancements in dental digital radiography

For more than a century, now radiographs have been taken using radiographic film. Digital imaging has been replacing traditional films in private practice, academic institutions in the last two decades. As use of digital radiography has become more common in the last decade with rapidly evolving changes in the way healthcare is administered, coupled with the amazing recent advances in imaging, many dental professionals are thinking of using digital system as a substitute to conventional film system. This has necessitated a review of the different technologies used for digital imaging in dentistry with broad overview of the principles in digital system, equipment, digital imaging receptors, procurement, enhancement process, transfer, and storage developments along with comparisons of film-based imaging, processing and image analysis.

A comparative study of the conventional and digital intraoral radiography methods for root canal length measurement

Objective: Measurement of root canal length is one of the most important stages of endodentic treatment, and any error at this stage can lead to the failure. This study aimed to compare conventional and digital intraoral radiography in measurement of root canal length. Material and Methods: In this study, 35 single-canal maxillary teeth were collected. Access cavities were prepared. An endodontic number 10#K- file was introduced into the canal, until the tip was visible at the apical foramen and the actual canal length (gold standard) was determined. After acquisition conventional radiographs using E-Ektaspeed and F-Insight film (Eastman-Kodak Co. Rochester, NY, USA) and digital radiographs using Photostimulable Phosphor Plates(PSP) (Soredex, Helsinki, Finland) and Charge Coupled Devices (CCD)(RVG, Trophy,NY,USA). they were examined separately with a two-week interval by two oral and maxillofacial radiologists. The data were analyzed with ANOVA and Tukey’s tests using SPSS-19 software (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA). Result: No statistically significant difference was observed between different radiographies, and different observers (P &gt; 0.05). Nevertheless, in comparison with the gold standard, in all cases, the F-speed conventional radiography and the digital CCD radiography showed the highest and the lowest accuracy, respectively. Also, the PSP and the E-speed conventional radiography were in the second and third order of accuracy, respectively. Conclusion: The use of digital radiography does not improve the accuracy of the root canal length measurement,but the digital technique has advantages,such as the reduced patient exposure ,eliminating the time consuming processing stages, and producing fast images.

Digital Imaging in Dentistry: An Overview

Digital radiography has been available in dentistry for more than 25 years, but it has not replaced conventional film-based radiography completely. This could be because of the costs involved in replacing conventional radiographic equipment with a digital imaging system, or because implementing new technology in the dental practice requires a bit of courage. As use of digital radiography becomes more common, many dentists are wondering if and how they can replace conventional film-based imaging with a digital system. This article presents an overview of the different technologies used for digital imaging in dentistry with a broad overview of the benefits and limitations of digital imaging. The principles of direct and indirect digital imaging modalities, image processing and image analysis will be discussed.

A paediatric X-ray exposure chart.

The aim of this review was to develop a radiographic optimisation strategy to make use of digital radiography (DR) and needle phosphor computerised radiography (CR) detectors, in order to lower radiation dose and improve image quality for paediatrics. This review was based on evidence-based practice, of which a component was a review of the relevant literature. The resulting exposure chart was developed with two distinct groups of exposure optimisation strategies – body exposures (for head, trunk, humerus, femur) and distal extremity exposures (elbow to finger, knee to toe). Exposure variables manipulated included kilovoltage peak (kVp), target detector exposure and milli-ampere-seconds (mAs), automatic exposure control (AEC), additional beam filtration, and use of antiscatter grid. Mean dose area product (DAP) reductions of up to 83% for anterior–posterior (AP)/posterior–anterior (PA) abdomen projections were recorded postoptimisation due to manipulation of multiple-exposure variables. For body exposures, the target EI and detector exposure, and thus the required mAs were typically 20% less postoptimisation. Image quality for some distal extremity exposures was improved by lowering kVp and increasing mAs around constant entrance skin dose. It is recommended that purchasing digital X-ray equipment with high detective quantum efficiency detectors, and then optimising the exposure chart for use with these detectors is of high importance for sites performing paediatric imaging. Multiple-exposure variables may need to be manipulated to achieve optimal outcomes.