The history of X-rays

27 November 2014
Volume 30 · Issue 3

How technological developments have advanced dental treatment.

On November 8, 1895, Wilhelm Conrad Röntgen accidentally discovered an image cast from his cathode ray generator, projected far beyond the possible range of the cathode rays (now known as an electron beam). Further investigation showed that the rays were generated at the point of contact of the cathode ray beam on the interior of the vacuum tube, that they were not deflected by magnetic fields, and they penetrated many kinds of matter.

 

A week after his discovery, Röntgen took an X-ray photograph of his wife’s hand which clearly revealed her wedding ring and her bones. The photograph electrified the general public and aroused great scientific interest in the new form of radiation. Röntgen named the new form of radiation X-radiation (X standing for unknown) hence the term X-rays (they are also referred to as Röntgen rays, though this term is unusual outside of Germany).

 

William Coolidge invented the X-ray tube popularly called the Coolidge tube. His invention revolutionised the generation of X-rays and is the model upon which all X-ray tubes for medical applications are based. Without these original discoveries, dentistry would not be the progressive, technology-driven discipline that it is today.

 

The latest technology in the field of X-ray can help you, the practitioner, offer your patients the most advanced, safest, minimally-invasive service. Technology increases efficiency significantly. With the latest generation of dental equipment, patients see exactly what you see. This creates trust and empowers them to make decisions about their own care, and not rely purely on the first advice they’re given.

 

Technology also helps with patient education and case acceptance. If someone is missing a tooth, the practice team can virtually place an implant and crown with 3D scans and show patients exactly where the tooth will go. Digital X-rays and photos of their teeth can be blown up on flat screen monitors right in front of or above their dental chair.

 

Actually showing patients what’s going on in their mouth leads to quicker understanding and fewer questions, making your hygienist’s job easier too. When working on periodontal patients, the hygienist can chart through the practice management software and show them how much their gum health has improved. When the dentist comes in, the necessary treatment can be added into the chart to create a treatment plan.

 

That plan, which prioritises treatment and breaks down cost, can then be ready before patients even reach the front desk and can easily be emailed to them later for reference. Thanks to technical and clinical innovations, dental treatments are now more precise than ever.

 

For example the X-Mind Unity (from Acteon) with Sopix inside is able to analyse in real time the amount of X-ray emission needed. The results of this are that you always get an optimal image and up to 50 per cent of saved radiation, according to each individual patient’s morphology.

 

The aesthetics of the system can enhance the look of a practice and it is clever too. It has a small focal spot (0.4mm) and several configurable radiological settings, which result in sharpest and contrasted images.