Barbara Carter

DHY 245
Dental Hygiene Technology
May 5, 2019

Dental Hygiene Technology

How convenient is having a mini computer at your fingertips such as the cellular devices

most people have in today’s society? Technology plays a huge role in day to day operations in

both a personal and business aspect. I will be discussing a particular technology that is being

incorporated in most dental offices and that is, digital x-rays.

X-rays were first discovered by Wilhelm Rontgen in 1895 (Brazdo). Prominent New

Orleans dentist C. Edmund Kells took the first dental x-ray of a living person in the United States

in 1896 (Brazdo). Dental x rays were used regularly back in the 1950’s and the images were

captured on film (Brazdo). With today’s technology, we have the capability to capture an image

digitally and display it almost instantly, whereas in the past, an image was captured on film and

took about 30 minutes to an hour to develop. Traditional film is similar to digital x-rays in a

sense of the physical properties and capturing the desired area of focus, but that is about the only

similarities they share (1-800-Dentist). Traditional films emit more radiation than digital x-rays

(1-800-Dentist). Digital x-rays emit 90% less radiation compared to traditional (1-800-Dentist).

Digital x-rays include a sensor to capture the image and a computer software program to display

and adjust the image.

A few indications for use of digital x-rays are diagnostic purposes, preventative

maintenance, and procedural images just to name a few. Diagnosing is one of the major

indications for use in dentistry. Bitewings are an essential set of x rays that a hygienist will
utilize in a clinical setting as it helps detect carious lesions interproximally, bone level, and

calculus detection, just to name a few.

There are standard operating procedures when using digital x rays and a few are as listed:

a lead lined apron for the patient, using the as low as reasonably acceptable (ALARA) concept,

lead lined walls in the x-ray operatory room, settings on the x-ray unit, XCP instruments to

prevent errors, and dosimeters for the operators.

Disassembling and disinfecting/sterilizing is an important step that should never be

compromised regardless of the circumstances. One of the most common issues with a digital x-

ray sensor is failure of the cable cord attached to the sensor (Apex dental sensors). It is usually

damaged by repetitive bending and pulling in the same areas on the cable cord (Apex dental

sensors). There are many different companies out there that produce digital x-ray sensors, the

maintenance is generally the same. However, one of the most important things to consider when

learning how to handle or care for something new is to always read the manufacturer’s directions

before using the new product. Digital sensors cannot be sterilized but they can be disinfected

with the proper solution (Apex dental sensors). Dental sensor holders, rings and other digital

radiography accessories often require sterilization (Apex dental sensors).

In conclusion, digital x-rays are a beneficial technology that has been brought into the

dental setting. There are more pros than cons in comparison to the traditional film. The more

knowledgeable the provider and the patient are the better the concept is accepted.
 References

Brazdo. M. DDS. (December 18, 2017). The History and Benefits of Dental X-ray Imaging.
Retrieved from https://www.artistictouchdentistry.com/general-dentistry/history-benefits-
dental-x-ray-imaging/

Apex dental sensors. (2018). How to care for your digital dental x-ray sensors. Retrieved from
https://dentalsensors.com/articles/dental-sensor-care/

1-800-Dentist. (2019). Digital Dental Radiography. Retrieved from

https://www.1800dentist.com/about-dentistry/digital-radiography/