Some dentists embraced the digital world from the outset. As you would expect, there were early adopters who were able to pick up and embrace the technology almost overnight, while others have been a little more cautious to adapt. Change can be a wonderful thing in a practice but with it can often come fear of the change itself, fear of the cost and fear of the learning curve. However, having made the change, nobody tends to look back.
Getting started
Mastering the software can take a little time, but the end result is well worth it. You would expect a greater percentage of case acceptance if you use digital radiography. This technology allows you to 'show and tell' with greater ease and understanding for your patient. You can establish a frame of reference, perhaps showing and explaining normal biologic width on one tooth in relation to the changes that have taken place with periodontal disease on a second tooth with the effect of altering the normal relationship. Every dentist who uses any kind of digital imaging system knows how powerful this tool has become, and you can expect a similar reaction when patients view an enlarged and enhanced image, while they're still in the chair.
Case presentation is the cornerstone of a technologically up-to-date practice. The most successful dentists are those who communicate easily with their patients. A thorough examination and careful diagnosis, combined with a comprehensive treatment plan that makes sound use of modern technology are powerful tools in patient acceptance. If your patient takes away from the consultation a clear picture of what you have planned, experience has shown they will generally go ahead with the plan.
Traditional radiographs, still used by many, are useful for communication between dentists, but they are not so useful for educating patients. With the larger images provided digitally you can more easily highlight areas of concern. This technology, along with clinical images helps decision-making and also legally documents the issues that need attention.
Revolutionary
Digital radiography has been revolutionary in terms of communication between dentists, specialists and dental technicians. The ability to email digital information ensures the receiving dentist has all of the necessary information by the time the patient arrives. Patients obviously benefit from this technology with timely, comprehensive care - particularly in an emergency situation.
For laboratories, a digital image can say a lot more than a written explanation. As the outcome of aesthetic dentistry relies on accurate communication between you and your technician, digital imaging and radiography have been superb innovations.
Practical considerations
- Digital X-ray combines low dose, fast imaging and high diagnostic accuracy.
- You can diagnose straight away, while the patient is still in the chair.
- A very small foot print. No dark room needed or large developer.
- No developing film, so no need for a dark room, chemicals, and so on.
- Will save money in the long run especially in labour cost as whoever normally develops the film can put this time into other duties of the practice.