Dental Imaging Review: Progeny Dental JB-70 Dental Intraoral X-Ray

The JB-70 redefines AC technology with the perfect balance of imaging excellence, simple, efficient operation and smart good looks. Microprocessor controls and our advanced pre-heat feature make the JB-70 the imaging foundation of today’s dental practice—ideal for standard and high speed films and optimized for today’s digital receptors. It’s a new generation of dental imaging brought to life in an intraoral x-ray system that is smarter, more reliable and easier to use.

All the features you need for everyday imaging excellence:

• 70 kVp and 7 mA
• 0.7 mm focal spot
• Large, easy to understand icons
• 30 Pre-programmed techniques
• Manually selectable time settings
• Effortless, drift-free positioning
• Unique tube head handle
• Compatible with film, sensors and phosphor plates

Intuitive and Efficient Operation

Easy to understand icons and 30 pre-programmed anatomical technique settings ensure instant proficiency for every user. Time settings can be selected according to individual preferences using the keys on the control panel and stored into memory for future use. The sleek control panel can be removed from the power base and mounted in another area in or outside of the operatory. Two push button remote stations and a corded control are also available as accessories for remote exposure installations.

Sophisticated materials and design provide unprecedented quality and stability

High-tolerance, frictionless joints provide amazingly smooth and effortless arm movement. Add Progeny’s heavy-duty, dual braking system for dependably precise and stable positioning for years to come. The JB-70 is available with a 56”, 66” or 76” arm length and can be mounted on the wall or in a pass through. The JB-70’s tube head handle makes movement especially easy and the offset tube head design allows the user to see the patient clearly at all times for precise positioning.

Here's a product review I got from this site: http://dentalinsider.wordpress.com

Progeny JB-70 X-Ray Product Review

What to do get when you take Engineers, Vice Presidents and the CEO of one of the leading companies in dental xray and give them a clean slate to start from?
Progeny Dental’s JB-70….The Next Generation of Dental Imaging has arrived. This xray not only looks good, but offers simple controls, flawless imaging and a very competetive price. ($4500.00 Retail)

Intallation is very straight forward and is setup for a single stud mounting, right out of the box. An optional two stud mounting plate($185.00 retail) is available when you’re mounting the unit across two studs, 16 inches on center.

If you’re in the market for a new x ray unit, I suggest you take a look at the Progeny JB-70 or their sister xray unit the Preva DC unit. Either would be a smart choice for your practice.

Source: progenydental
For complete details check here

Dental Digital Radiography News: Vetel Diagnostics Introduces Envision Dental™ Diagnostic Imaging Tools

PRLog (Press Release) – Jul 27, 2010 – Vetel Diagnostics, a leading provider of diagnostic imaging tools to veterinarians, introduces ENVISION DENTAL™, a new line of dental digital radiography (DR) products: the AnyRay handheld dental DR generator, the EZ Sensor line of dental DR detectors, and the new Metron dental software featuring an interactive positioning guide. They are designed to make dental imaging easier and to increase the veterinarian’s opportunities to deliver dental services.

An estimated 80% of canine and feline populations have some type of treatable dental pathology. Despite the prevalence of periodontal disease, however, many practices face challenges in delivering even routine dental services. The time and expertise required using traditional radiography presents a significant obstacle during the average appointment. Recognizing the disadvantages this creates for both patient care and practice profitability, Vetel Diagnostic’s pursued imaging solutions to address both.

Dr. James K. Waldsmith, President of Vetel explained: “These tools represent a huge leap forward in providing the dental diagnostics that lead to treatment opportunities in daily practice.” As more practices transition to digital imaging, opportunities represented by dental services continue to gain the recognition they deserve. Developing a product line based on superior quality and ease of use is at the core of Vetel Diagnostic’s philosophy. Metron’s ability to integrate dental radiographs alongside other diagnostic images places more complete patient information at the practitioner’s fingertips.

“First and foremost we looked for products that delivered quality imaging”, said Dr. Waldsmith, “but we also understood that positioning tools, ease of use and workflow efficiency have equal importance if the practitioner is to utilize them on a regular basis. Drawing an owner’s attention to their pets’ bad breath begins the conversation but without fast, high quality dental radiographs to provide the diagnoses, client education and dental services are far more difficult to provide. Access to the proper imaging tools substantially increases those diagnostic opportunities. We chose products according to their suitability for superior patient care and practice productivity.”

Vetel Diagnostic’s ENVISION DENTAL™ was created to meet the specific needs of veterinary practice. EZ Sensors were designed with an emphasis on patient comfort; the AnyRay generator affords complete portability and Metron’s dental software provides technician assistance and client education.

Source: PRlog.org

Digital Dental X-Rays - Benefits and Advantages in the Future of Dentistry

This article will explain what are the advantages of Digital Dental X-rays and the Dis-advantages of the traditional dental x-rays.

Digital Dental X-Rays - Benefits in Dentistry

Digital dental x-rays are becoming the standard of care in dentistry. There are many fine systems in use today by a variety of manufacturers. Digital dental radiography was introduced in Germany in 1995 by the Dexis Corporation and into the United States in 1997. All digital radiology systems consists of:

• A digital sensor instead of film
• An image capture card (PCMCIA) or processing device.
• Dental software for image display
• Enhancement software
• Digital image storage capability

When compared to dental film x-rays, digital radiology is equivalent (and in some instances better) than conventional dental film. Because some of the software is able to digitally enhance the image we believe is even better than traditional dental x-ray film. Digital radiology most significant advantage is seen in endodontic (root canals) where the dental file and the apex of the tooth need to be visualized in great detail.

Digital dental x-rays reduces radiation exposure to the patient and dental staff.

Digital dental radiography can produce a high quality dental image with 60%-80% less exposure than traditional film dental x-rays. While traditional film x-rays have a very low exposure level ... this takes radiation exposure to a new level (very low).

Digital dental x-rays are friendly to the environment

Traditional dental x-rays use chemicals to develop and fix the image on to the film. These chemicals are not friendly to the environment. In addition, traditional film x-rays use silver halide to develop the image and a silver mixture in not released into the environment. Everyone benefits from this new technology.

Digital x-ray has been around dentistry for some ten years or so. The use of this imaging system benefits all dental patients.

Article Source: James Delapp and H. Candace Delapp (http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=James_Delapp )

How Digital Dental X-Rays Work

Some of the Dentist are now using Digital Dental X-Rays to provide even better dental care and more accurate diagnoses. The process of digitally capturing an image is much faster, safer and more comfortable for the patient.

Sample Digital Dental X-rays Image from the software

How Digital Dental X-Rays Work

Dentist will place a small sensor in your mouth. The sensor is connected to a computer by a thin wire. Next, an X-ray beam is sent through your teeth and into the sensor, which records the image of your teeth and sends it to the computer. The sensor can then be repositioned to photograph other sections of your teeth.

Why Digital Dental X-Rays are Better

The digital dental X-ray system is more sensitive than dental X-ray film systems, so your exposure to X-rays is cut by as much as 90 percent. The large, color-enhanced images let you see what your dentist sees, so it's easier for you to understand how your dentist will treat your teeth. Your fees don't include payment for photo chemicals, film, processing or film storage. Used photo chemicals and film are not polluting the environment. Your dental checkups take less time, and it's fun to watch this system work! Most patients are amazed.

Dental Digital Imaging: Odontogenic Causes of Sinusitis and Cone Beam Diagnostics

By Dr. Mark Weingarden

On May 7th of this year, the University Of Pittsburgh School Of Medicine for Continuing Education in the Health Sciences & Department of Otoloaryngology held their 5th Annual Update in Sino-Nasal Disorders and Allergy. One of the topics discussed was "Clinical Assessment of Dental Pathology for Otolaryngologists and Review of Emerging Dental Imaging".

With the recent addition of the 3D cone beam imaging, a new technology for the dental community, dentists and periodontists have been able to radiographically diagnose periodontal or endodontic problems that may be causing, or contributing to, unresolved or difficult to treat sinusitis in patients.

The trend for the future may be for dental/periodontal practitioners who have cone beam to work hand-in-hand with ENT's and physicians, helping them to be on the lookout for dental issues such as periodontitis and possible endodontic (root canal) issues that may be a possible cause of sinusitis. It is suggested that there may be value in physicians referring their patients for dental or periodontal evaluation, if there is evidence of dental problems. Indications could include:

1. Red, swollen or bleeding gums
2. Extensive dental work, crowns, root canals or large fillings in the upper molars
3. Sensitivity to chewing, temperature or percussion in upper molars

A simple examination to detect potential dental issues can be completed by a physician in 5 minutes, and the instruments needed to do so are few and inexpensive. Some questions that will guide the examiner are:

1. Is there any tooth discomfort? When did it start? What prompts it? Was any treatment rendered?
2. When was the patient's last dental exam? How often do they see their dentist?
3. Does the patient have any crowns, large fillings or root canals in the maxillary posterior teeth?
4. Is the patient missing upper teeth? When and why were they lost?
5. Was the patient ever diagnosed with periodontal disease? Do they smoke, have loose teeth or bleeding gums?

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dr._Mark_Weingarden

Dental Digital Technology: 21st Century Dentistry - A New World of Dental Technology

Here's an article written by Daniele on how Dental Technology like Dental Imaging and the latest Digital Dental X-rays evolved as an improvement for the 21st Century Dentistry.

21st Century Dentistry - A New World of Dental Technology
by Daniele Johnson

When you meet someone, do you immediately flash him a smile? Or do you hide it because you are in so much pain from tooth ache? Often, people fore go a visit to a dentist despite a tooth ache because of dental fear. A mere sight of the dental chair gives them fright. But this should not be the case. Tooth ache and dental fear must not be barriers to dental care.

The good news is advances in dental technology are already in the market. This 21st century dental technologies offer improved oral treatments making dental procedures much easier and less painful. Likewise, it makes time in the chair and in recovery much shorter. Mini-implants, lasers, digital imaging and zoom teeth whitening are few of these dental innovations.

Lasers
Already in use for some time now, laser technology have somewhat replaced the use of scalpel in dental clinics. It is often used in soft tissue applications such as tooth whitening procedures. Just by color, the laser can distinguish between a healthy gum and a diseased one. It then zaps away the infected tissue in the unhealthy gum and leaves the healthy one untouched.

In the same way, the laser is also used to seal gums by using thermal energy to keep the bacteria away from the gums. This way you won't suffer from tooth ache and tooth decay anymore. With laser treatment, pain and bleeding is significantly reduced making recovery time much shorter. It is also used in cosmetic treatments to reshape gums lines. So, people with long or short teeth can get a more even look.

Mini Dental Implants
Although dental implants have been around for 30 years now, mini implants are replacing conventional implants nowadays. In contrast to conventional implants, mini dental implants take a single visit to the dentist to get inserted. They also do not require cutting the gums, thus, making recovery time shorter. What's best is these implants cost only half the price of conventional implants.

Dental Digital Imaging
Another recent advancement in dental technology, digital imaging makes taking impressions of the teeth easier and faster. It uses a tiny intra-oral sensor that sends image directly to a computer and makes a 3D image of the teeth. This technology removes the discomfort from the long wait and reduces exposure to radiation.

Zoom Teeth Whitening
The latest in cosmetic dentistry, zoom teeth whitening takes only about 15 minutes to make your teeth several shades whiter. Dentists use a bleaching solution and activate it using a special light. Just in one session and about an hour of treatment, your smile is brighter.

With these cutting edge gadgets and technology, tooth ache treatment and dental care will surely change dramatically in the next century. But don't get easily caught in these dazzling new dental technologies. It is still best to ask your dentist and do some research as often these procedures are not essential and cost effective like they claim to be.

Daniele is a writer, book lover, golf enthusiast, and food-obsessed lass. Currently, she's a dental assistant to a successful tooth ache dentist. Though she wanted to be an actress when she was young, she pursued dentistry to continue the tradition in her family. She does freelance writing in between her theater and dentistry work.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Daniele_Johnson

Dental Digital Imaging: What is the I-CAT Cone Beam 3-D Dental Imaging System?

What are the benefits of Dental Digital Imaging. Here's an article written ny Young C. Chu entitled What is the I-CAT Cone Beam 3-D Dental Imaging System? Please continue reading.

What is the I-CAT Cone Beam 3-D Dental Imaging System?
By Young C. Chu

I-CAT Cone Beam 3-D Dental Imaging System is very effective for developing 3-D imaging for a better treatment and diagnosis planning. I-CAT can be considered as an alternative of backdated CT imaging. I-CAT is capable to develop high quality 3-D images that help us to treat many serious dental problems more accurately than we couldn't do before.

What is it?

This new high-end technology is a great addition to the field of dentistry. Currently this technology is used for Third Molar Extractions, Implant Planning, Impactions, Supernumeraries, TM Joints, Airway Assessments, Cephalometrics and Panoramics.

Ears, throat and Nose specialists are also using this new technology of developing 3-D images for a better accuracy of diagnosis. Where Pathology is useless, the I-CAT can be an effective tool to utilize for a better planning and bringing better results during orthodontic treatment. There is no side effect of this technology as this exposes very low radiation. This is also very effective for dealing with serious neck and head errors.

Benefits

This is really an extraordinary system that helps the dentists to diagnose more accurately and give the patients a better treatment. Dentists rely on the results of I-CAT scan for their effective treatment options and accuracy.

Patients feel full comfort during scanning and it only takes about 20 seconds. This is more hygienic than traditional CT scan hence I-CAT emits less radiation. 3-D images that developed using I-CAT can be easily shared to other dental professionals by using I-CAT Vision software.

Patients are highly benefited by this technology because it increases our capability to cure them even in very serious dental conditions. In our opinion, this is the best available tool that we can offer to our patients to diagnose their problem.

Dr. Delaram Hanookai has 15 years of specialized experience with grafting bone and gum tissue and the replacement of missing teeth, as well as the restoration of the souls of her patients who once could not smile.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Young_C._Chu

Digital Dental Xrays Press Release: AFP Imaging is Now ImageWorks

AFP Imaging is Now ImageWorks
Dent-X, NewTom and EVA Brands Remain the Same

ELMSFORD, N.Y., Jun 24, 2010 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- AFP Imaging Corporation (PINKSHEETS: AFPC), commemorating its first 12 months under new ownership, leadership, and management, is now ImageWorks. ImageWorks, with over 30 years experience and 100,000 installed systems worldwide, is an innovative, vertically-integrated manufacturer of Dental, Veterinary and Medical Imaging technologies.

According to R. Scott Jones, ImageWorks' Chairman, "We feel that the name ImageWorks embodies the energy, innovation and customer responsiveness that we value and strive to maintain." Jones continued, "Our leading brands, Dent-X, NewTom, EVA, and MiniMed are well recognized for outstanding performance and quality throughout the world and will retain their brand identity in each of their respective markets. The past year has brought significant growth in each of our imaging divisions. We are looking towards the next 12 months and promotion of ImageWorks as redefining moments in the company's long history. ImageWorks has a renewed commitment for the development of innovative imaging products and providing the highest level of customer service."

Significant investments are being focused on the development of a dedicated Customer Center. It has multi-modality communications and a Training and Development Program, including a state-of-the-art Training Center for Digital Imaging and Cone Beam CT customers, distribution partners and ImageWorks employees. Both of these facilities are under development at the company's Elmsford, New York headquarters where the company currently develops and manufactures its vertically-integrated EVA Digital X-Ray Sensor, 810 Film Processor, and MiniMed Film Processor product lines.

ImageWorks' dealer network includes over 3,000 distributors in 46 countries, worldwide. The company reports that it has grown its NewTom 3-D Cone-Beam Imaging business four-fold during the past year, clearly becoming the leader in mobile Cone Beam CT imaging center solutions. ImageWorks continues to manufacture and distribute its EVA Digital Dental X-Ray sensor through its Dent-X brand. EVA has accomplished great successes, selling over 12,000 units globally to dentists. That achievement inspired the company's launch into the Veterinary Dental market as a first mover several years ago. The EVA-Vet Digital X-Ray sensor quickly emerged as the #1 selling digital veterinary dental sensor in North America.

While the company is now ImageWorks reflecting the new market approach, all existing warranties, service agreements and partnerships remain intact. ImageWorks proceeds into a new era with its corporate relationships.

Please visit the company's new web-site: www.ImageWorksCorporation.com.

The remarks contained in this press release and presented elsewhere by management from time to time contain forward-looking statements, which involve risks and uncertainties, including statements regarding the Company's plans, objectives, expectations and intentions. The Company's actual results may differ significantly from the results discussed in this press release or in other forward-looking statements presented by management. The Company expressly disclaims any obligation or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any such statements to reflect any change in the Company's expectation or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which such statement is based.

SOURCE: ImageWorks
http://www.marketwatch.com/story/afp-imaging-is-now-imageworks-2010-06-24?reflink=MW_news_stmp

Digital Dental X-Rays - The Milestone of Dental Technology

Here's an article by Eli Kahn from ezinearticles.com. He explained the five reasons why Digital Dental X-Rays are the important tools of the future.

Digital X-Rays - The Wave of the Future
By Eli Kahn

X-Rays offer valuable insight into your dental health, giving your dentist the ability to accurately pinpoint and treat the root cause of toothaches and pains, as well as detect problems before they become more serious. They can help your dentist find cavities in your teeth, determine whether or not certain teeth are impacted, view the alignment of the jawbone in order to combat TMJ symptoms, and more. Having X-Rays taken should be a regular part of your visit to the dentist's office, but if you're still relying on conventional X-Rays rather than digital radiography, you may be missing out! Here are five reasons why Digital Dental X-Rays are the wave of the future:

1) If you're concerned about the amount of radiation that you may be exposed to during a conventional X-Ray session, you'll be pleased to learn that digital radiography reduces the amount of radiation by more than 80 percent!

2) While the traditional X-Ray process involves developing film, digital dental X-Rays can provide you with instant results, since there is no film to develop. Instead, the images can be viewed directly on a computer screen within seconds.

3) Digital Dental X-Rays are easy to send and share. Within moments of their creation, these images can be emailed anywhere in the world. This makes it possible to have your X-Rays forwarded immediately to a specialist or surgeon, or switch dentists without the hassle of having to pick up your files in person.

4) With traditional X-Rays, little could be done to enhance the quality of the image after the film had been developed. But with Digital Dental X-Rays, you or your dentist can zoom in, crop, adjust the color or contrast, and generally enhance the image for clarity, making it easier to effectively examine the images.

5) Finally, digital radiography is better for the environment, since no toxic chemicals are needed to develop or process the film.

Many dentists across the country already offer their patients access to digital radiography. If you're interested in Digital X-Rays for your dental care needs, ask your dentist whether they offer this amazing new technology - and if it's time for you to make the switch - at your next checkup or appointment.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Eli_Kahn

Dental Digital Xrays: Kodak Dental Imaging Software

User-friendly and powerful, KODAK Dental Imaging Software serves as the control panel for all of our digital imaging systems. Its flexible user interface has been designed specifically for dental radiological diagnosis, and can be used as a standalone program or integrated with your practice management software.

Features & Benefits

Improve Diagnosis and Communication Improve your diagnostic abilities using simple and powerful tools including contrasts, brightness, measurements, dedicated image filters and highlight effects. You’ll obtain clean, clear images to help enhance communication with patients and referrals.

Improve Flexibility A fully customizable workspace allows you to work comfortably. Choose between viewing images in full screen or actual image size. View and compare your digital X-rays in operative radiology mode, four image bitewing modes, or within a variety of full mouth series mounts.

Increase Productivity Work smarter and more efficiently with image management and archiving functions. Keep a detailed image log per patient, conduct a detailed image search, and delete, archive and import/export images.

Easily Share Images With the printing and transfer function, dental professionals can take full advantage of all the benefits digital imaging has to offer. Print all image types and reports, create report models, and even send images by email, with or without a viewer.

How Much Radiation Do You Get From Dental X-Rays?

By Steve D. Rima, CHP

Just the mention of the word “radiation” conjures up an unpleasant image for most people. We associate it with bombs, cancer, and all manner of other bad things. But do you know that there are many beneficial uses of radiation? One type of radiation, x-rays, are used extensively in the medical and dental professions to diagnose and treat a wide variety of conditions.

Just how much radiation do you get from a dental x-ray and how harmful is it? First, let’s talk about what an x-ray is. X-rays are energy in the form of waves, identical to visible light. In fact, the only difference between light and x-rays is that light doesn’t have enough energy to go through your body and x-rays do. Both can make an image on photographic film, so both types of energy are used to make pictures; light makes photographs of the “outside” of objects, x-rays make pictures of the “inside” of objects, including your body.

A unit called a “rem” is used to measure radiation. A rem is a large unit, much like a mile is a large unit of length, so we usually use a millirem (mrem) instead, much as you would measure in inches instead of miles for most purposes. (It takes 1000 mrem to equal one rem.)

Advances in x-ray equipment, especially film technology, allow your dentist to get a good x-ray image using much less radiation than was previously required. A typical dental x-ray image exposes you to only about 2 or 3 mrem. The National Council on Radiation Protection (NCRP) says that the average resident of the U.S. receives about 360 mrem every year from background sources. This comes from outer space, radioactive materials in the earth, and small amounts of radioactive material in most foods we consume.

Some typical sources that may expose you to radiation also include smoke detectors (less than 1 mrem per year), living in a brick house instead of a wood one (about 10 mrem per year due to radioactive materials in the masonry), cooking with natural gas (about 10 mrem per year from radon gas in the natural gas supply), reading a book for 3 hours per day (about 1 mrem per year due to small amounts of radioactive materials in the wood used to make the paper), and even from flying in an airplane (about 5 mrem for one cross-country flight because of the increased altitude.) In fact, you receive about 2 mrem per year from sleeping next to someone! This is because all of us have very small amounts of naturally occurring radioactive materials in our bodies.

Obviously, you probably would not refuse to fly on an airplane, live in a brick house, read books, live without smoke detectors, or sleep with your spouse because of the small amount of radiation you receive from these activities. Since your dentist gains valuable information from x-rays to aid you in keeping healthy teeth, it is also not in your best interest to refuse dental x-rays because of the very small amount of radiation you receive from them.

Steven D. Rima is a Board Certified Health Physicist with over 20 years of experience in radiation safety, including teaching medical and dental professionals for state licensure to take medical and dental x-rays.

Dental Xrays Advisory

How Often Should Teeth Be X-Rayed?

The frequency of getting Dental X-rays often depends on your medical and dental history and current condition. Some people may need Dental X-rays as often as every six months; others with no recent dental or gum disease and who visit their dentist regularly may get X-rays only every couple of years. If you are a new patient, your dentist may take Dental X-rays as part of the initial examination and to establish a baseline record from which to compare changes that may occur over time.

Some general guidelines your dentist may follow regarding the frequency of dental X-rays is as follows:

Dental X-Ray Schedule for Children, Adolescents, and Adults

	New patients	Repeat patient, high risk (decay is present)	Repeat patient, no decay, not at high risk for decay	Current or history of gum disease	Other comments
Children (before eruption of first tooth)	X-rays if the teeth are touching and all surfaces cannot be visualized or probed	X-rays taken every 6 months until no decay is present	X-rays taken every 12 to 24 months if the teeth are touching and all surfaces cannot be visualized or probed	X-rays of areas where disease is seen in the mouth	X-rays to check for growth and development are usually not indicated at this age
Adolescents (before eruption of wisdom teeth)	A full series of X-rays is indicated when there is evidence of dental disease or history of extensive decay.	X-rays taken every 6 to 12 months until no decay is present	X-rays taken every 18 to 36 months	X-rays of areas where disease is seen in the mouth	X-rays should be taken to check for development of wisdom teeth
Adults with teeth	A full series of X-rays is indicated when there is evidence of dental disease or history of extensive decay.	X-rays taken every 12 to 18 months	X-rays taken every 24 to 36 months	X-rays of areas where disease is seen in the mouth	X-rays to check for growth and development are usually not indicated.
Adults without teeth	X-rays are usually not indicated unless specific dental disease is clinically present.

When to Get Dental X-Rays?

Dental X-rays help your dentist visualize diseases of the teeth and surrounding tissue that cannot be seen with a simple oral exam. In addition, X-rays help your dentist find and treat dental problems early in their development, which can potentially save you money, unnecessary discomfort, and maybe even your life.

What Problems Can Dental X-Rays Detect?

In adults, dental X-rays can be used to:

• Show areas of decay that may not be visible with an oral exam, especially small areas of decay between teeth
• Identify decay occurring beneath an existing filling
• Reveal bone loss that accompanies gum disease
• Reveal changes in the bone or in the root canal resulting from infection
• Assist in the preparation of tooth implants, braces, dentures, or other dental procedures
• Reveal abscesses (an infection at the root of a tooth or between the gum and a tooth)
• Reveal other developmental abnormalities, such as cysts and some types of tumors

In children, dental X-rays are used to:

• Watch for decay
• Determine if there is enough space in the mouth to fit all incoming teeth
• Determine if primary teeth are being lost quickly enough to allow permanent teeth to erupt properly
• Check for the development of wisdom teeth and identify if the teeth are impacted (unable to emerge through the gums)

Dental Xrays can be useful, but it's also some effect when done regularly. That's why it's more important to visit your dentist in a regular basis to avoid any tooth decay and to lessen the exposure in and dental xrays procedures.

Source

Dental X-Rays From WebMD

There are two main types of dental X-rays: intraoral (meaning the Dental X-ray film is inside the mouth) and extraoral (meaning the Dental X-ray film is outside the mouth).

1. Intraoral Dental X-rays are the most common type of dental X-ray taken. These Dental X-rays provide a lot of detail and allow your dentist to find cavities, check the health of the tooth root and bone surrounding the tooth, check the status of developing teeth, and monitor the general health of your teeth and jawbone.
2. Extraoral Dental X-rays show teeth, but their main focus is the jaw and skull. These Dental X-rays do not provide the detail found with intraoral X-rays and therefore are not used for detecting cavities or for identifying problems with individual teeth. Instead, extraoral Dental X-rays are used to look for impacted teeth, monitor growth and development of the jaws in relation to the teeth, and to identify potential problems between teeth and jaws and the temporomandibular joint (TMJ, see document, "Temporomandibular disorders" for more information) or other bones of the face.

Types of Intraoral Dental X-Rays

There are several types of intraoral Dental X-rays, each of which shows different aspects of teeth.

• Bite-wing Dental X-rays show details of the upper and lower teeth in one area of the mouth. Each bite-wing shows a tooth from its crown to about the level of the supporting bone. Bite-wing Dental X-rays are used to detect decay between teeth and changes in bone density caused by gum disease. They are also useful in determining the proper fit of a crown (or cast restoration) and the marginal integrity of fillings.
• Periapical Dental X-rays show the whole tooth -- from the crown to beyond the end of the root to where the tooth is anchored in the jaw. Each periapical X-ray shows this full tooth dimension and includes all the teeth in one portion of either the upper or lower jaw. Periapical X-rays are used to detect any abnormalities of the root structure and surrounding bone structure.
• Occlusal Dental X-rays are larger and show full tooth development and placement. Each X-ray reveals the entire arch of teeth in either the upper or lower jaw.

Types of Extraoral Dental X-Rays

There are several types of extraoral Dental X-rays that your dentist may take.

• Panoramic Dental X-rays show the entire mouth area -- all the teeth in both the upper and lower jaws -- on a single X-ray. This type of Dental X-ray is useful for detecting the position of fully emerged as well as emerging teeth, can identify impacted teeth, and aid in the diagnosis of tumors.
• Tomograms show a particular layer or "slice" of the mouth while blurring out all other layers. This type of Dental X-ray is useful for examining structures that are difficult to clearly see -- for instance, because other structures are in very close proximity to the structure to be viewed.
• Cephalometric projections show the entire side of the head. This type of Dental X-ray is useful for examining the teeth in relation to the jaw and profile of the individual. Orthodontists use this type of X-ray to develop their treatment plans.
• Sialography involves visualization of the salivary glands following the injection of a dye. The dye, called a radiopaque contrast agent, is injected into the salivary glands so that the organ can be seen on the Dental X-ray film (the organ is a soft tissue that would not otherwise be seen with an X-ray). Dentists might order this type of test to look for salivary gland problems, such as blockages or Sjögren's syndrome.
• Computed tomography, otherwise known as CT scanning, shows the body's interior structures as a three-dimensional image. This type of Dental X-ray, which may be performed in a hospital or radiology center rather than a dentist's office, is used to identify problems in the bones of the face, such as tumors or fractures. CT scans are also used to evaluate bone for the placement of dental implants and difficult extractions. This helps the surgeon avoid possible complications during and after a surgical procedure.

In the Pipeline

There's a newer dental X-ray technique that your dentist already may be using or may soon be using. It's called digital imaging. Instead of developing X-ray film in a dark room, the X-rays are sent directly to a computer and can be viewed on screen, stored, or printed out. There are several nice benefits of using this new technology including:

• The technique uses less radiation than the typical X-ray and there is no wait time for the X-rays to develop -- the images are available on screen a few seconds after being taken.
• The image taken, of a tooth for example, can be enhanced and enlarged many times it's actual size on the computer screen, making it easier for your dentist to show you where and what the problem is.
• If necessary, images can be electronically sent to another dentist or specialist -- for instance, for a second opinion on a dental problem -- to determine if a specialist is needed, or to a new dentist (if you move).
• Software added to the computer can help dentists digitally compare current images to previous ones in a process called subtraction radiography. Using this technique, everything that is the same between two images is "subtracted out" from the image leaving a clear image of only the portion that is different. This helps dentists easily see the tiniest changes that may not have been noticed by the naked eye.

Source: WebMD (http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/dental-x-rays-when-get-them)

Dental X-rays May or May NOT Related to Thyroid Cancer?

This is written by a a Filipino writer named Val. You can check this link later to see his information. Just look at the bottom side. Well, I am not really interested about him, what brought me to his link was his article "Dental X-rays is NOT Related to Thyroid Cancer".

Please continue reading...

Dr. Mohammed Al-Samnak, a radiology doctor situated in Kuwait, recently refused on his interview in Kuwait Times that dental x-rays it not related to thyroid cancer. “[The] dental x-ray procedure is very selective or specific. Is a doctor advised only one tooth for an x-ray, our x-ray machine would select only one tooth. It’s not connected to the thyroid, not at all,” Dr. Samnak added.

He stated this due to a new study conducted in Kuwait by scientists from Britain discovered that the exposure to dental x-rays and thyroid cancer is somehow related. Based on this study, patients who were exposed to dental x-rays are ten times more possible to develop thyroid cancer, but this was countered by Samnak. He affirmed confidently that the findings of the study were speculative and unproven.

In performing a dental x-ray procedure at any dental clinic in Kuwait, a neck shield is required to use to keep the patient’s thyroid from being exposed to radiation.

Dr. Samnak even told that thyroid cannot possibly acquire thyroid cancer for one or two accidental x-ray exposure. Even though Samnak admittedly stated that thyroid is one of the very sensitive organs in the human’s body, he said that this won’t be a problem due to a neck protection is used during the procedure.

Samnak’s statement was supported by another dentist from Kuwait, Dr Chi Umandap. Dr. Umandap is connected to the office of the assistant undersecretary at the Ministry of Health. According to Umandap, they have used X-ray to pregnant women, when it is for emergency purpose only, and it show no signs of harm done to the baby of the mother.

“Take note though that a pregnant woman should not be exposed to an x-ray, especially during the first three months. In a dental procedure we allow x-rays because they are very safe. Also, radiation dosage is minimal compared to other types of body x-rays,” Dr. Umandap added.

Umandap even explained that a normal x-ray is different to a dental x-ray. In dental-xray, they only used a small dosage of radiation due to only an alveolar bone and tissue cover the teeath.

In contrast to this matter, another doctor, who spoke with Kuwait Times. He countered Dr. Samnak and Dr. Umandap’s ideas. According to this doctor, the findings of this study may possibly accurate. The reason for this is that the dental procedures in Kuwait are very specific, even for a simple tooth ache.

In Kuwait, once a patient complains a dental problem, they will automatically undergo an x-ray, in fact, even schools do such practice. Example, when a tooth is x-rayed first. Then after its removal, another x-ray is advised. Obviously, the patient will be too much exposed to radiation.

The same doctor also stated that in other countries they check the teeth’s condition first before advising them to undergo in an x-ray, if it is necessary. They will ask first the patient’s history then decided whether an x-ray is required or not. Dental x-rays is only done for major orthodontic-cases, the doctor added. Simple dental problem will never require an X-ray.

However, the doctor pointed out that even though government clinics recommend x-ray even for simple tooth ache, repetitive X-raying is never followed by private dental clinics in Kuwait.

Here's another one, I found this in this weblink, written by Mary Shomon... Please continue reading....

Thyroid Cancer Risk May Increase Due to Multiple Dental X-Rays


According to research conducted by UK and Kuwaiti investigators, and recently reported on in the journal Acta Oncologica, the risk of thyroid cancer increases with multiple exposure to dental x-rays.

The thyroid gland is sensitive to radiation, and radiation exposure is a known cause of thyroid cancer. But dental x-rays have long been overlooked as a source of radiation, given the low dose of the radiation used.

Repeated exposure, however, now appears to be correlated to an increased risk of thyroid cancer, and according to the researchers, their findings correlate to previous research that has found an increased risk of thyroid cancer in dentists, dental assistants, and x-ray workers.

The researchers found that study subjects who had up to four dental X-rays had more than double the risk of developing thyroid cancer than those who had never had a dental x-ray. Those who had between five and nine X-rays had a risk more than four times normal. And the greatest risk was for those with ten or more X-rays, whose risk was more than five times that of someone who had not received dental x-rays.

Lead investigator Dr. Anjum Memon has said that the implications of the findings are especially important, given the increased rate of thyroid cancer in the past 30 years. In the US, for example, thyroid cancer is the fastest growing form of cancer, and in the United Kingdom, the thyroid cancer rate has doubled from 1.4 per 100,000 in 1975, to 2.9 per 100,000 in 2006.

The researchers are cautioning, however, that the topic requires further research and study, especially to get a better estimate of the radiation doses and number of exposures that are more associated with an increased risk.

What Can You Do?

Given this new information, what should you do to help protect yourself against thyroid cancer?

According to the study author Dr. Memon: "Our study highlights the concern that, like chest or other upper body X-rays, dental X-rays should be prescribed when the patient has a specific clinical need, and not as part of routine check-up or when registering with a dentist. 'So, one of the first things you can do is to make sure that you get dental x-rays only when your dentist has a specific need for them, and not just as a routine part of treatment, i.e., routine annual x-rays, or a routine dental x-ray with every checkup.

Second, and this is a recommendation that I've been making for years here at the site and in my books: Ask the dentist to protect you with a lead thyroid collar when doing any x-rays. This is a recommendation that you'll also hear from About.com's guide to Dentistry, Shawn Watson, who says: "Before you have x-rays taken at your dental office, make sure the protective lead vest, that is placed over your body prior to taking an x-ray, has a thyroid collar." (My own dentist didn't even have a thyroid collar for the longest time. He used to look at me a bit strangely when I would ask that he protect my thyroid for dental x-rays. I would end up pulling the lead apron up so that it would go right up to my chin. Now he has an actual thyroid shield on his lead apron, thankfully!)

Third, if you have young children, minimize their exposure to any unnecessary dental x-rays, and insist that their dentists and orthodontists also use a thyroid collar. Children are especially susceptible to thyroid-damaging radiation, so you'll want to ensure they are not subjected to routine or unneeded dental x-rays. And for children, any essential x-rays should only be conducted with use of the appropriate lead thyroid collar.

I think majority of the dentist did know what are the effects of Dental Xrays if done with too much exposure. In case of ignorance, any dental patient should be aware of some consequences. Dental xrays is good so that the dentist can perform or plan whatever is necessary prior doing any procedure. I believe Dental Xrays are not invented to create such disease but precaution must be undertaken to avoid it.


Source: http://whatisthetrend.net

The Next Generation of Dental X-Rays - 3D Cone Beam Technology

By Gary R. O' Brien

Fifteen years ago I introduced digital imaging into the practice to improve diagnostic capabilities and reduce the radiation requirements of each exposure. Now we are introducing the latest in radio graphic technology called 3D Cone Beam Technology. This technology allows me to capture and reproduce the detailed 3D anatomy of the skull in a reliable, affordable way, while emitting low doses of radiation. Using the combined advancements in CT scanning and 3D Sterio-lithic surgical and prosthetic computerized reconstruction, I am continuing my commitment to my patients of providing them with the most advanced and safest technology available.

Cone beam imaging is one of the most important breakthroughs in dental radiology, and has proven effective for a wide range of care and treatment applications. Cone beam technology has several features that make high-resolution, 3D imaging a reality. A digital x-ray scanner is mounted on a rotating arm that circles the patient's head. As it rotates, the x-ray is projected in a carefully controlled, cone-shaped beam through the patient and onto an amorphous silicon flat panel or image intensifier sensor. The beam encompasses the patient's entire head, so it only takes one pass to capture the complete skull anatomy. The resulting images are displayed on a computer screen.

The Benefits:

• Dramatically lower radiation emission: An average CT scan is about 600-700 microsieverts, while cone beam imaging is usually less than 70 microsieverts.
• Short scan and reconstruction times: Scans take an average of about 20 seconds, and less than a minute later, images are reconstructed on the computer screen allowing to see-in 360°-undistorted, virtual, rotating models of the patient's anatomy.
• Better diagnosis: Bone thickness can be accurately measured to better determine implant candidates and better diagnosis of diseases or conditions.
• The Cone Beam images have more intense details: Soft tissue, missing teeth, location of the nerve canals and the relationship between proposed implants and the opposite jaw are fully visible.

It comes back to the Patient

Cone beam imaging is undoubtedly essential as I strive for excellence in patient care. Its 3D detail and precision reveals what 2D can't: the true spatial relationships, shapes and measurements of every structure in the human skull.

Source: http://ezinearticles.com

What Are Dental X-rays?

Dental X-rays? How did it start?

In 1895, physicist Wilhelm Roentgen was intrigued by glowing cathode tubes and decided to see what they could do. He found that the rays they emitted could pass through certain solid objects and leave a shadowy image of that object on a fluorescent screen. He was even more amazed to find that when the rays passed through body parts, such as his hand, the bones beneath the skin became clearly visible on the screen. Because he didn't know exactly what was causing this phenomenon, he labeled the rays " X," which is the mathematical symbol for anything that is unknown.

Scientists today know that X-rays are a form of energy that travels in waves. X-rays can enter solid objects, where they either are absorbed or continue to pass through the object. The denser the material X-rays enter, the more they are absorbed and the less they are able to pass through.

Teeth and bone are very dense, so they absorb X-rays, but gums and cheeks are much less dense, so X-rays pass through more easily. That's why cheeks and gums appear dark and without detail on the X-ray film, but teeth show up much lighter. And fillings, which are even denser than bone, will show up as a solid, bright white area. Dental caries (cavities) will show up on an X-ray as a darker patch in a light tooth.

Source