EFFICACY OF DIGITAL INTRAORAL RADIOGRAPHY IN CLINICAL DENTISTRY

Objectives: This article emphasizes the comparison of intra-oral digit al imaging to film-based imaging. Additional possibilities of digital imaging that may contribute to system efficacy are discussed as well. Study selection: The main subjects for research in digital imaging are image quality, image acquisition, diagnostic quality, image manipulat ion, automated analysis, and application software. Data sources: Repre sentative articles on these subjects from the international literature are used for this review. Indirect digital imaging still requires fil m processing, sophisticated film digitizers, and time to digitize film . Although it is not an efficient method for the dental practice, digi tization can be very useful for quantitative analysis of radiographs. Direct digital imaging is more efficient than indirect digital imaging . The main advantages are (semi) real time imaging, low X-ray dose req uirements, and no need for chemical processing. In spite of a more lim ited resolution of the images, direct imaging may perform as accuratel y as film-based imaging. Direct image plate systems can well be used, for instance, for full-mouth series. The main application of direct se nsor systems appears to be endodontology and implantology. In summary, direct digital imaging may be as efficient as film-based imaging in c linical dentistry. The computer provides for many additional options i n digital imaging, such as the digital storage, compression, and excha nge of radiographic information. Image manipulation (e.g. image enhanc ement, subtraction radiography and image reconstruction) and automated analysis may benefit radiodiagnosis. Conclusion: It can be concluded that digital imaging certainly has great potential, especially with re spect to improvement of diagnostic quality and automated image analysi s. (C) Elsevier Science Ltd.