Digital radiography utilizes computer technology and digital sensors for the acquisition, viewing, storage, and sharing of radiographic images. It offers several advantages over the older traditional film based methods of taking x-rays. The most significant of these advantages is that digital radiography reduces a patient’s exposure to radiation. Other benefits are that images can be viewed instantly after being taken, can be seen simultaneously as needed by multiple practitioners, and can be easily shared with other offices. Digital x-rays are also safer for the environment as they do not require any chemicals or paper to develop.
An electronic pad, known as a sensor is used instead of film to acquire a digital image. After the image is taken, it goes directly into the patient’s file on the computer. Once it is stored on the computer, it can be easily viewed on a screen, shared, or printed out.
The 3Shape TRIOS® Intraoral Scanner enables both dentists and orthodontic specialists to obtain detailed 3D digital impressions of a patient’s teeth and occlusion to deliver the most precise, efficient, and comfortable care. A guided scanning process using an ergonomically designed wand captures and integrates multiple intraoral images from every angle to generate highly accurate 3D impressions. The 3Shape TRIOS Intraoral Scanner provides a far more pleasant office experience for the patient than the conventional methods of taking dental impressions. Compatible with multiple digital systems, the 3Shape TRIOS Intraoral Scanner allows for the seamless and efficient generation of dental models for the custom fabrication of dental prostheses such as crowns as well as orthodontic aligners. With the 3Shape TRIOS Intraoral Scanner, the practitioner consistently obtains the most precise information for more predictable results and better outcomes of care.
By using intra-oral optical scanning devices, the need for patients to have a messy conventional dental impression taken of their teeth is eliminated. Digital optical impressions enable the dentist to more efficiently and effectively obtain an accurate computer generated representation of their patient’s teeth along with the surrounding tissues. In addition to being much more comfortable for the patient, a digital impression eliminates the need for the dentist to either create a stone model from the impression, or to mail the impression directly to the laboratory for any type of work to be done. Digital impression information is transmitted electronically, significantly reducing the turnaround time of any needed outside laboratory work. Digital impressions are also integral to systems that produce same day, in-office ceramic restorations.
Cone-beam computed tomography systems are radiographic systems used by dental professionals to analyze and reconstruct 3D images of a patient’s teeth, jaws and surrounding anatomy. The information obtained by means of CBCT imaging is useful in both diagnosis and precise treatment planning when two-dimensional diagnostic films are insufficient. Dental CBCT is useful for multiple types of analyses as well as the assessment of maxillofacial disorders or pathology. It is also most useful in surgical planning, including the accurate placement of dental implants.
An intraoral camera is a miniaturized camera that can take high-resolution images inside of the mouth and display them for viewing in real time on a computer screen. It is a pen-sized device that provides an up close, full-color and high-resolution view of the teeth and surrounding soft tissues.
An intraoral camera is a wonderful communication tool that allows the dentist to directly show a patient a close up view of every tooth and the nearby soft tissues. With this technology any areas of concern can be instantly displayed and discussed.
The intraoral camera can also capture individual images that can be saved as part of a patient’s permanent record. These saved images can be reproduced when needed for use by other dental specialists, a dental laboratory, insurance companies, and others.