Digital Imaging in Dentistry: Intraoral, Extraoral, and 3D Technology

Despite proper care and handling of PSP plates, loss in spatial resolution may occur. To reduce PSP plate deterioration resulting in surface damage and contamination, PSP plates should be handled carefully and cleaned according to manufacturer instructions.

a. Both statements are true

The production of digital images requires a process called Analog to Digital Conversion. Digital images consist of pixels organized in a matrix of rows and columns.

a. Both statements are true

With digital imaging, barriers must be placed on the sensors. Sensors cannot be sterilized.

a. Both statements are true

The digital images are composed of pixels or rows and columns of images aligned to represent the intensity (gray level) of the image. There is a value assigned to each pixel that represents the intensity or gray level of each location in the image.

a. Both statements are true.

Digital imaging reduces the amount of radiation to the patient due to the sensitivity of the sensors.

a. True

One recent research study found a degradation in spatial resolution after the same PSP plates had been used ______ times.

b. 48

If contaminated, the CDC recommends an EPA-registered _______________ disinfectant after removing the barrier and before using the sensor on the next patient.

b. intermediate-level

Standard radiation safety procedures still require the dental provider be at least _______________ from the x-ray tubehead and the patient be covered in a lead apron with a thyroid collar.

c. 6 feet

Digital imaging uses up to _____ shades of gray compared radiographic film that shows only 16-25 shades of gray. This allows for better detection of disease.

d. 256

Depending on the radiographic film used in the dental practice, radiation exposure time can be reduced as much as _____% when changing from radiographic film to digital sensors.

d. 90

Some of the primary reasons to replace PSP plates are _______________.

d. A and B only

What is/are the disadvantage(s) of digital imaging? a. Cost b. Patient comfort c. Medico-legal d. All of the above.

d. All of the above.

Signs of malfunction of the laser scanner include lines across the image due to _______________.

d. Both A and B

The silicon chip detector converts x-ray photons into an electrical charge. The electrons produced are deposited into small boxes called _______________.

d. pixels

What is/are the advantage(s) of digital imaging?

e. All of the above.