There are more than 160,000 dentists licensed in the United States. For the dental patient, the dentist is both radiologist and treating clinician. The American Dental Association (ADA) has been a member of the Digital Imaging and Communication in Medicine (DICOM) Standard Committee since 1996. DICOM v.3 provides image object definitions for digital transmission radiography (Dx) with special categorization for intraoral projections (Io), and it also provides for color photography used in dentistry. Digital dental radiographs include transmission images of the head and jaws, pantomography, tomography and cone-beam computed tomography. In 2000, the ADA resolved to strive for interoperability of digital dental images, using the DICOM Standard as the backbone of the effort. ADA Working Group 12.1 was tasked with development of specifications and also with educating the dental profession concerning digital image interoperability. DICOM-related interoperability demonstrations are now a part of the ADA Annual Congress, in the form of seminar and as a noncommercial exhibit. (+info)
An in vitro comparison of root canal measurement in primary teeth.
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To compare the accuracy of root canal lengths in primary teeth determined by tactile sense, electronic apex locator, conventional radiography, and digital radiography in primary teeth. The study sample consisted of twenty 20 extracted, single-rooted primary teeth. A comparison was made between the working length measurements obtained by tactile sensation, electronic apex locator, conventional film, and digital radiography, using stereomicroscopic measurements to obtain real canal length. The mean readings obtained were 15.91+/-2.06 by tactile measurement, 15.94 94+/-1.42 by apex locator, 16.06+/-1.73 by conventional radiography, and 15.91+/-1.60 by digital radiography. No statistically significant differences were seen between the techniques. (+info)
Radicular dens invaginatus--a case report.
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Case report showing classical Radicular dens invaginatus; along with in vitro illustrations of the extracted tooth and RVG (Radiovisiography) after radiopaque dye injection. (+info)
Introducing digital radiography in the dental office: an overview.
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Digital radiography is gaining in popularity and many dentists are considering changing from a film-based system to this new technology. Dentists must clearly define their objectives for adopting digital radiography and be aware of the problems that may be encountered with this equipment, so that they can make an informed purchasing decision. This article provides an overview of digital radiographic equipment, experiences users have had with this technology and factors to consider when deciding to purchase a DR system. (+info)
Digital diagnosis records in orthodontics. An overview.
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Digital technology is becoming day by day a more important procedure in most of the clinic activities and, thus, orthodontists are increasingly adding digital technology to their orthodontics records. In this article we want to outline the advantages and disadvantages of the use of digital photography, digital radiography as well as one of the latest developments: the digital study stone casts. We will also present the state of the art related to dentists that use these digital records routinely in our country. (+info)
Accuracy and consistency of radiographic interpretation among clinical instructors using two viewing systems.
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Accurate and consistent radiographic interpretation among clinical instructors is needed for assessment of teaching, student performance, and patient care. The purpose of this investigation was to determine if the method of radiographic viewing affects accuracy and consistency of instructors' determinations of bone loss. Forty-one clinicians who provide instruction in a dental school clinical teaching program (including periodontists, general dentists, periodontal graduate students, and dental hygienists) quantified bone loss for up to twenty-five teeth into four descriptive categories using a view box for plain film viewing or a projection system for digitized image viewing. Ratings were compared to the correct category as determined by direct measurement using the Schei ruler. Agreement with the correct choice for the view box and projection system was 70.2 percent and 64.5 percent, respectively. The mean difference was better for a projection system due to small rater error by graduate students. Projection system ratings were slightly less consistent than view box ratings. Dental hygiene faculty ratings were the most consistent but least accurate. Although the projection system resulted in slightly reduced accuracy and consistency among instructors, training sessions utilizing a single method for projecting digitized radiographic images have their advantages and may positively influence dental education and patient care by enhancing accuracy and consistency of radiographic interpretation among instructors. (+info)
Image analysis and superimposition of 3-dimensional cone-beam computed tomography models.
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Three-dimensional (3D) imaging techniques can provide valuable information to clinicians and researchers. But as we move from traditional 2-dimensional (2D) cephalometric analysis to new 3D techniques, it is often necessary to compare 2D with 3D data. Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) provides simulation tools that can help bridge the gap between image types. CBCT acquisitions can be made to simulate panoramic, lateral, and posteroanterior cephalometric radioagraphs so that they can be compared with preexisting cephalometric databases. Applications of 3D imaging in orthodontics include initial diagnosis and superimpositions for assessing growth, treatment changes, and stability. Three-dimensional CBCT images show dental root inclination and torque, impacted and supernumerary tooth positions, thickness and morphology of bone at sites of mini-implants for anchorage, and osteotomy sites in surgical planning. Findings such as resorption, hyperplasic growth, displacement, shape anomalies of mandibular condyles, and morphological differences between the right and left sides emphasize the diagnostic value of computed tomography acquisitions. Furthermore, relationships of soft tissues and the airway can be assessed in 3 dimensions. (+info)
Perceptions and attitudes of Canadian dentists toward digital and electronic technologies.
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OBJECTIVES: To determine dentists" perceptions of the usefulness of digital technologies in improving dental practice and resolving practice issues; to determine dentists" willingness to use digital and electronic technologies; to determine perceived obstacles to the use of digital and electronic technologies in dental offices; and to determine dentists" attitudes toward Internet privacy issues. METHODS: An anonymous, self-administered survey of Canadian dentists was conducted by mail. A potential mailing list of 14,052 active Canadian dentists was compiled from the 2003 records of provincial regulatory bodies. For each province, 7.8% of the dentists were randomly selected with the help of computer software. The surveys were mailed to this stratified random sample of 1,096 dentists. RESULTS: The response rate was 28% (312/1,096). Of the 312 respondents, 4 (1%) were in full-time academic positions, 16 (5%) were not practising, and 9 (3%) provided incomplete data. Therefore, 283 survey responses were available for analysis. More than 60% of the dentists indicated that computer technology was quite capable or very capable of improving their current practice by increasing patient satisfaction, decreasing office expenses, increasing practice efficiency, increasing practice production, improving record quality and improving case diagnosis and treatment planning. More than 50% of respondents reported that digital photography and digital radiography were quite useful or very useful. About 70% of the dentists agreed or strongly agreed with using digital and electronic technologies to consult with dental specialists. Cost of equipment and lack of comfort with technology were regarded as significant or insurmountable obstacles by substantial proportions of respondents. CONCLUSIONS: Respondents generally viewed digital and electronic technologies as useful to the profession. Increased office efficiency and production were perceived as positive effects of digital and electronic technologies. These technologies are more often used for consulting with colleagues rather than for consulting with patients. The major obstacles to the general use of these technologies were related to cost, lack of comfort with technology and differences in legislation between provinces and countries. Privacy issues were not perceived as a significant barrier. (+info)