Digital Radiography (DR)

No new technology has generated more discussion than this one. Radiographs are a staple of every practice, and almost all offices have started out with film. The difficulty in assessing DR is a constant comparison to the “old way”. The multi-step and time consuming process is still perceived to be better by most practitioners. Patient comfort and operator ease of use seem to be the buzzwords that give film an apparent edge. Add in a seemingly extraordinary cost to convert and many practitioners feel that they should stay with film. A variety of sensors and systems try and satisfy these difficult issues.

Ease of use- with a sensor, you position the unit, push the button and the image is on the screen in seconds. No lag time, no mounts or chemicals and you are ready to get to work in seconds.

Patient comfort- different manufacturers have made very different decisions. Thickness of sensors, roundness of edges, position of the wire, special positioners all are important in assessing the unit best for your office.

Cost- Although the cost of the system appears high, the office using film is actually spending $7-10,000 per year now. Putting the entire amount up front makes DR appear high, but if amortized over 2-3 years there is no real change in the office budget. And once the purchase price is paid off, there is only an annual maintenance fee to pay which will be far less than the annual expenses associated with film. There are numerous tangible savings such as chemistry, mounts, processor maintenance, darkroom space and more. Time savings become obvious when emergency patients or endodontic films appear in real time allowing rapid completion of procedures.

One large note here- this math assumes that there is a computer network in place. If not, there is an additional expense to set that up, however that infrastructure can be used for multiple practice improvements. It should be noted that a few of the DR companies have “stand alone” systems that include a laptop or tablet PC to allow a start for an office that is not yet totally computerized.

For those practitioners entrenched in the film regimen, phosphor plates give a digital solution. The technique is very close to film, as is the patient experience. There is a time lag with most systems, although it is far shorter than film, and the digital record is achieved. There are several steps involved, but again, shorter than the film based scenario. The maintenance of these plates is different from sensors- replacements are around $25 however they do get scratched, bent and worn out so there is a constant, albeit small, cost of maintenance. There is no annual service contract for the sensors. Many offices using phosphor plates also purchase a sensor or more to allow for instant images for emergency, endodontic and surgical situations, while using the plates for routine new patient and recall surveys.

Dexis

This unique sensor is based on one size fits all. That coupled with beveled corners enhance ease of use and patient comfort.

Schick

Years of refinement and a strong backing by Patterson make this an attractive choice. The unique wireless version allows more flexibility, with a higher cost.

Kodak

Kodak has taken the high resolution sensors to an advanced level. There is also a new budget version. Strong backing by this well known company make it attractive

SUNI

The thinnest sensor in the current marketplace make it preferable by many practitioners and patients. Paul Suni, an industry pioneer,is still hands-on in the continued development of this product.

Gendex

2005 introduction of a new rounded corner, high resolution sensor enhance the doctor and patient experience.

EVA

Dent-X although not a household name makes an excellent workhorse with high resolution and excellent customer support at a reasonable cost.

ImageRayi

Dentrix has developed this sensor to work seamlessly with their practice management software ( as well as others).

Sirona

A uniquely shaped size 2 sensor and excellent software make this system one to consider. Backed by one of the top radiography manufacturers.

Plameca

Known for their larger equipment, the Dixi3 has several unique features including ability to be submersed in solution. Integration with other Planmeca products and all major Practice management systems make this an attractive choice.

Lightyear

Using an all in one system an office can use digital radiography without computers in the treatment rooms. 5 year warrantee.

Progeny MPSe

Ethernet connection, although USB can be adpated

GE Sigma

Sigma Biomedics Bio Ray

Video Dental Concepts QuickRay

Phosphor plate systems:

Air Techniques- ScanX

Plates are placed in a simple top-loader and images are produced in under 20 seconds. Works with all PM products and user has a choice of operating software. New plate automatic bagger is available.

Gendex DenOptix

Plates are placed and sorted in a carousel, allowing images to appear automatically in the digital mount. New version is 4x faster than previous model.

Soredex Optime

Lower cost and small size allows the unit to be placed in the treatment room. Plates are exposed and immediately placed in the feeder, yielding an image in under 5 seconds. Plates are automatically erased after developing. Special Soredex plates with a metal marker are necessary- plates are double bagged to reduce possibility of scratching.

Kodak Orex Paxorama

Plates are placed in a carrier and sent through the digital developer. After processing they are automaitically erased.