Imaging System

Best match found in Dentistry: X-Ray and RVG

The invention of X-Ray and thereafter followed by the invention of RVG has enraptured the dentistry. The invention of X-Ray and RVG has indeed brought in a new era to dental treatments.

 

  1. C. Roentgen, a German Physicist invented the mechanism of X-Ray in 1895 while he was experimenting in his laboratory.

The invention of RVG was by a French Dentist, Dr. Francis Moyen and named it RadioVisioGraphy. The first RVG was based on the principle of Charged Couple Device(CCD).

However, the first RVG was not connected to the computer screen. The images could only be seen and not be saved. In 1992, Gendex introduced Visualix, the first-ever computer to be linked to Digital Radiography screen.

 

So that is how the best soulmates were found or you can say destiny brought them together into the scene. And the combo of X-Ray and RVG has taken dentistry to another level.

 

Dental Imaging Technique has turned around due to the invention of modernized equipment which gives more comprehensive and clear images of teeth, its parts, tissues, and nerves. Before the digitization of the techniques, a darkroom was required to process the images of the tooth or its parts.

 

X-Ray: Its types & Usage

X-Rays can be taken both inside and outside of the mouth, basically known as Intraoral X-Rays and Extraoral X-Rays.

Intraoral X-Rays:

To detect dental cavities, tissue problems, tooth decay or the debris of the tooth. Basically, it helps in detecting the interior defects of the tooth.   

Intraoral X-Rays are the most used X-Rays in dentistry. It gives a detailed view of cavities, helps in monitoring the jaw growth and development or in tracking the problems related to teeth, jaw and temporomandibular(TMJ) or the facial bones.

 

Intraoral X-Rays are of various types, such as:

  • Bitewing X-Rays
  • Periapical X-Rays
  • Occlusal X-Rays
  • Wall Mount X-Rays
  • Handheld X-Rays

 

Bitewing X-Rays:  

Bitewing X-Rays are done when the patient bites the film between the teeth which gives both the upper and lower view of the teeth.  These show the view from the top to the level of supporting bone.  It helps in detecting tooth decay and problems related to bone density and gum issues and the marginal integrity of the tooth fillings.

Periapical X-Rays:

Periapical X-Rays helps in projecting the views of the root structure and the surrounding bone abnormalities. It also helps in showing the bone loss around each tooth. These X-Rays are used for periodontics, advanced gum diseases, and abscess.

Occlusal X-Rays:

Occlusal X-Rays helps in revealing the arch of the tooth and shows the advancement and the placement of the tooth.

Wall-Mount X-Rays:

Wall-Mount X-Rays are connected to a particular place on the wall and are connected to power permanently.

Hand-Held X-Rays:

Portability and flexibility are the key features of these X-Rays. However, it is an add on for the dentists who are willing to work more and save time. These X-Rays also help in increasing work efficiency.

Extraoral X-Rays:

Extraoral X-Rays are used to monitor impacted teeth, jaw growth, and development and to identify the problems related to jaw, skull and temporomandibular joints or other facial bones.

 

Extraoral X-Rays are of various types, such as:

  • Panoramic X-Rays
  • Tomograms
  • Computed Tomography
  • Cephalometric Projections
  • Sialography
  • Cone Beam Computerised Tomography

 

Panoramic X-Rays:

Panoramic X-Rays are the machines that rotate around the head and shows the complete tooth structure of the upper and lower arch of teeth. They are mostly used before the implant is done or sometimes may be used to diagnose the bony tumor or the cysts inside the mouth or teeth. These are also known as Panorex X-Rays.

Tomograms:

Tomograms are the X-Rays that blur out the other parts of the mouth and only focuses on only one part of the mouth.

Computed Tomography:

These are used to check on the implanted tooth and sometimes used for difficult tooth extractions. These look like a 3D interior structure to find the cyst, tumors or fractures.

Cephalometric Projections:

These X-Rays help in the projection of the teeth with jaw and profile. These are mainly used for endodontics planning.

Sialography:

In this process, a dye is injected into the salivary gland and the color is projected in the X-Ray film. These are mainly used to detect blockages in Salivary glands or Sjogren’s syndrome, an autoimmune disease that impedes saliva and tear production.

Cone Beam Computerized Tomography:

CBCT helps in giving out a 3D image of the interior of the teeth. It requires approx. eight times more radiation as compared to other X-Rays. It gives a cone-shaped beam scan for both upper and lower teeth at once.

Benefits of X-Ray:

  • Helps in the diagnosis of decay of teeth or in existing restoration, bone infections, gum diseases, cysts or developing abnormalities of the gum.
  • Gives an instant image into the screen.
  • Early detection and treatment of the dental issue hence saving time, money and avoids discomfort.
  • It has a micro-storage technology that allows greater data storage capacity and helps in space-saving.
  • Contrast and detailed image without quality loss.
  • Digitization of the X-Rays has been beneficial for both dentists and patients. Patients easily can educate themselves where the problem lies and it will be easy on their part to understand the doctor.

 

 

RadioVisioGraphy:

The introduction of RVG sensors and X-Rays together has given better image quality and durability. Waterproof RVGs have been a boon to dentistry.

 

The waterproof sensor and shock protection layer has protected the sensor from bites and drops.

High-sensitivity Scintillator, Fiber Optics, and High-resolution rugged CMOS detector are the key features behind the high-quality images by RVG.

 

There are two sides of RVG i.e the reactive and non-reactive side. When the X-Ray radiation is projected on a specific area the sensor captures the images and it is converted into an image with the help of the converter. The cable is connected to the non-reactive side of the sensor. In case the image outcome is dark then it is advised to reduce the exposure time and try for a better image.

 

Advantages of RVG:

  • Usage of RVG helps in the reduction of X-Ray radiation to almost 80%.
  • It helps in giving out the fastest results with increased efficiency.
  • The shift from analog to digital has improved in the fastest service by the dentists, hence saves time, the reports can be saved.
  • There are almost 16-25 shades of gray used in RVG to give a clear understanding.
  • There are no more cliched dark rooms for a report.
  • The portability and small size have made it easier to go for the dentists.

 

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