Digital X-Rays: Pros and Cons By: Lorne Lavine, DMD, President, Dental Technology Consultants

For dentists who are contemplating adding new technology to their practice, the choices can be overwhelming. It’s impossible to pick up a dental journal today without being bombarded with ads and articles about the latest practice management software, digital imaging or intraoral photography advances. In the past few years, technology has exploded, especially in the field of digital radiography. While the advantages of this new technology are clear, dentists who are contemplating this expensive investment should also be aware of the potential shortcomings as well.

The Pros:
1. Reduced radiation: While not a concern for many dentists, this is certainly a selling point for patients. Most digital radiography systems require just a small fraction of the exposure time needed for traditional film.

2. Faster: For the direct sensor systems, images appear on the screen instantaneously. Even the slower phosphor plate systems can develop a periapical radiograph in about one minute, which is still significantly faster than the five minutes it takes to develop traditional film. For routine hygiene patients, timesaving is not necessarily important, but the advantages for endodontic and other procedures can be quite significant.

3. Co-Diagnosis: By placing a large image of the x-ray in front of patients, they are now included in the diagnosis of their own dental problems. Most dentists who are using the technology in this manner will see an increase in treatment plan acceptance.

4. No chemicals: Few dentists will be upset about no longer needing to deal with messy chemicals, jammed processors, lost films, MSDS sheets, etc.

5. Image manipulation: Most digital x-ray systems come with software that allows the user to manipulate the image through the use of color, 3-D enhancement and other techniques that will aid the dentist in diagnosing problems–often at an earlier stage than film would allow.

The Cons:
1. Cost: There is no way around it, these digital systems are expensive! The overall cost will depend on several factors: whether the dentist opts for direct sensor versus phosphor plate, number of operatories to equip, and whether the system is networked, making it accessible from other points in the office. In addition, it will require computers in the operatories, interface cards, computer monitors for patient viewing and a host of other minor accessories. Furthermore, the sensors for direct sensor systems are very costly and do not come with guarantees for replacement.

2. Comfort: This applies more to direct sensors than the phosphor plate sensors, but the average direct sensor is quite a bit thicker than a traditional film x-ray. Some patients will have trouble tolerating these larger devices and it will require the dentist and staff to learn the proper way to position the sensor for maximum comfort.

3. Network requirements: As with most new technologies, once the office becomes accustomed to it, everyone will want access. There is nothing wrong with a dentist choosing to start slowly by having a digital x-ray in just one operatory. But in a busy office, having access to the images from multiple locations will be a huge advantage. It will enable the front office staff access to the x-rays for insurance claims while allowing the doctor access to images from the operatory. This will require proper set-up of a computer network, not to mention the daily backup of sensitive data.

4. Learning curve: Many dentists who purchase these systems fail to recognize the importance of training for themselves and their staffs on proper usage. Allowing the staff to feel comfortable with the new system is crucial to full acceptance and this learning curve can take some time to overcome.

Overall, digital x-rays can be a benefit to almost any dental practice. However, dentists should be aware of the cost, time and energy necessary to properly use these systems before they make this investment. In general, the advantages of installing new technology in your practice are definitely important (but expensive) choices. Researching, getting feedback and obtaining an overall idea of potential investments will make your decision easier.

Lorne Lavine, DMD has practiced periodontics and implant dentistry since 1992. He is an A+ Certified Computer Repair Technician as well as Network+ certified. He is president of Dental Technology Consultants, which assists dentists in all phases of technology integration in the dental practice. He can be reached via his website at www.dtc4u.com, by email at dtc@dtc4u.com or toll free at 877-851-0297.