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New device takes bite out of dental X-rays
June 12, 1996
Web posted at: 6:15 p.m. EDTFrom Correspondent Donna Kelley
(CNN) -- A new union between X-rays and computers could save people a bit of time in the dentist's chair by eliminating the hassle of conventional X-rays of patients' teeth.
The technique, called computed dental radiography, allows dentists to take X-rays electronically and "develop" the images within seconds on a computer screen.
With the technology, dentist and patient can bypass the expensive, minutes-long process of developing traditional dental X-rays.
In addition to saving time, the process allows dentists to better explain what is happening to a patient's teeth.
Dr. Joseph Lau, who uses the technology, sees it as a powerful teaching device.
"It's a great presentation tool," he said. "Let's say you need me to explain this cavity. You can use color ... to show that this area has decayed so much that it's the same color as the background density. It's a very powerful tool for dentists to be able to explain things to patients."
Lau also said the device is easy to operate, eliminating the need for complicated training on a new machine. He doesn't need to understand the mechanics of the technology -- all he has to know is what button to push to take the images.
While the equipment costs nearly $13,000, Lau said the expenses are not passed on to patients because dentists save on the costs of conventional X-ray film and chemicals.
Computed dental radiography is being used by more than 1,000 dentists in the United States and nearly twice that many in Europe. And its inventor, David Shick, is confident those numbers will grow. (51K AIFF or WAV sound)
He said the technology also has the potential to revolutionize a variety of other medical fields. It is being used in bone densitomitry to help doctors diagnose osteoporosis, and to examine soft tissue areas, helping find breast cancer, for instance.
Related sites:
- Shick Computed Dental Radiography
- Workshop in Digital Radiography from Georgetown University
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