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Digital imaging is considered the most informative diagnostic technique with a minimum dose of radioactive exposure. In dentistry, digital x-ray devices that are safe for patients are used as diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. An X-ray of the teeth is done using a special visiograph device, and the results of the study are displayed on a personal computer display.
The radiovisiograph converts the signals into a picture, which is instantly sent to the monitor. The received data is processed by programs and stored in the PC memory. Doctors say that a digital filmless system in a few years will be able to completely replace traditional x-rays.
How does a visiograph work?
A radiovisiograph is a device that allows you to take accurate pictures of your teeth, which are transferred to a computer. In medicine, there are two types of dental radiography: the first is digital, the second is film. Modern medical institutions are trying to use filmless diagnostics.
The image with the help of a visiograph is made in a few seconds. During the study, the radiation exposure to a person is reduced from ten to sixteen times due to very sensitive sensors. The digital image shows not only information about the condition of each tooth, but also the bone tissue located around it. Even a qualified doctor cannot always notice damage and pathological changes in bone tissue with the naked eye.
The device consists of three components: the first is a sensor, the second is a connecting cord, and the third is an analog-to-digital converter. The sensor is similar in appearance to a silicon chip. With the help of a digital sensor, incoming pulses are recorded and transmitted to the device. The converter looks like a small monoblock that has two ports (one for the chip, the second for connecting to a personal computer).
All received data passes through a special converter, further processed by the software and displayed as a snapshot on the display. The visiograph functions only with the visiographic complex, which includes an X-ray machine. Before starting the manipulation, the patient must wear a protective apron made from lead material.
The procedure is not complicated: a person sits down on a couch or a special chair located next to the visiograph. Next, the specialist directs a tube towards the patient for diagnostics and attaches a sensitive sensor to the diseased tooth. The doctor turns on the device and an image is automatically taken. After a successfully taken picture, the patient can be free. The test results will be ready in 10-15 minutes. During this time, the doctor will be able to carefully examine the image and describe its details.
Indications for radiography using a visiograph
An x-ray of the teeth is done so that the dentist can analyze the condition of both individual teeth and the patient’s jaws. The visiograph makes control and intermediate images during therapy and filling of dental canals. Endodontic treatment is not carried out without X-ray examination.
An intermediate series of images is needed in order to measure the working length of the dental canal and determine its patency. A follow-up x-ray is indicated after completion of therapy to monitor sealed roots. Digital visiography will help to avoid serious complications, control the stages of root canal filling and correct the work of the dentist.
What can be found on the visual image?
Radiovisiography is used in therapeutic dentistry, implantology and endodontics. The technique is indispensable in the treatment of dental diseases, canal filling and mechanical treatment of dental roots. On the resulting image, a qualified dentist will be able to accurately determine the shape of the canal, its length and depth, as well as select the correct size of the metal pin. With the help of a picture, it is not difficult for a specialist to detect a part of a chipped instrument and control the quality of the filling.
The visual image reveals:
- inflammatory foci (granulomas, cysts);
- caries (in the picture it will be visible as a dark, almost black area);
- loose, connective and bone tissue (gray areas in the image);
- dense structures such as pins, fillings and dentures (white areas in the photo will indicate their presence).
The extremely sensitive chip has a high level of detail. The end result is a sharp and crisp photo. A high-quality picture will help the doctor make a diagnosis, identify the smallest inflammatory and carious foci. A visiographic image is able to give the dentist detailed information about the condition of the fillings.
Advantages of digital radiovisiography for the dentist
A few years ago, specialists used only film x-rays, but now, more and more dentists are resorting to digital research methods. Filmless diagnostics is good because the received data is instantly processed by the program and displayed on the display (medical workers will no longer need to use hazardous chemical compounds to develop photos).
Today, it is very easy for dentists to look at any image taken several weeks ago, if necessary, since the results of the examination are stored in the PC’s memory. The resulting photo can be sent via the Internet to any corner of the world, for example, if the doctor is on vacation or left for work.
The advantage of the visiographic method is that the photo can be enlarged several times, the contrast can be adjusted and the teeth and roots can be examined in detail. Using the program, a dentist can examine the texture of bone tissue, alveolar processes, tooth roots or periodontium.
Advantages of the technique for the patient
The advantages of visiography for the patient are: safety of manipulation; affordable cost; rapidity; painless procedure. Supernova models of radiovisiographs are characterized by lower radiation exposure and are considered the safest for human health. Devices brought from abroad produce smooth beams and have an ultra-sensitive chip. Scientists believe that this device will not be able to harm a person’s well-being, so the digital technique is not prohibited even for minor children.
According to acceptable standards, visiography can be safely carried out up to sixty times in one year. Digital diagnostics is not prohibited for pregnant women. X-rays shine through only the tissues of the teeth and do not affect the fetus. Dentists believe that radiovisiography is safest to be done in the second trimester of pregnancy. During lactation, it is also allowed to conduct a study without harm to the mother and child. Manipulation is carried out by an experienced medical worker strictly on the recommendation of a dentist.
The work of the radiovisiograph is aimed at helping the dentist to study the structure of the dentition, detect the affected areas with dental diseases and make the correct diagnosis.