Dental lab X-amines new system
By Casey Neill
IVCCs dental lab has taken the leap into a new generation of technology with a digital radiography system.
The CDR X-ray Imaging System by Schick Technologies is faster and safer than older equipment. With conventional X-rays, developing time is seven to ten minutes. With the CDR, the X-ray shows up on a digital screen with four to five seconds.
"The idea of being able to share the X-rays quickly is a big plus," said dental assisting instructor Pat Pearson.
The computer program allows the images to be e-mailed to another dentist for a second opinion within minutes. Dental insurance claims can also be handled more quickly through e-mail.
The software with the system is also helpful in surgeries and root canals, Pearson said, because it allows the user to measure the root of the tooth by simply pointing and clicking on the image of the tooth.
In the digital system, conventional film is replaced by a sensor, which is inserted into the patient's mouth. The sensor is about the size of the usual film but not as flexible. A wire runs from the sensor to a computer where the images are analyzed.
Bypassing the film also means not having to handle the chemicals needed to develop the film, Pearson said.
One of the major selling points of the digital systems is that it gives off 70 to 80 percent less radiation than the conventional X-ray machine, Pearson said, but she added: "Even with the reduced radiation patients still need to wear the lead apron for safety."
The entire system, which consists of a computer, printer, software and two sensors, cost approximately $12,400, and it was funded largely through grant funds.
The dental lab still teaches radiography using the conventional machines, Pearson said, because only a few dentists in the area have a digital system.