Dentaltown July 2016 - (Page 74)

practice management message board The Truth About Digital X-Ray Sensors A Townie starts a thread to help inform other Townies about intraoral sensor technology Dentaltown.com > Message Boards > Oral & Maxillofacial Radiology (Imaging) and Photography > Digital Radiography > The Truth About ... dhanning Member Since: 07/08/04 Post: 1 of 55 Related Message Boards Planning to Go Digital: Which Are the Cheap and Reliable Sensors to Buy? Reliable Sensors Portable X-Ray Units? Portable X-Ray There is a lot of confusion regarding intraoral sensor technology, so I thought I would start a thread to help educate shoppers. 1. All current-generation sensors use the same general components in an assembly that is essentally a "sandwich." The components that make up the sandwich are: a) scintillator (the best are cesium iodide)-converts the X-ray photons to light that the sensor can recognize. b) FOP, or fiber-optic plate-filters the light and directs it to the sensor. c) CMOS sensor-pixels are aligned in a grid to absorb the light according to the dentisty of the substance that the photons are penetrating. d) Analog-to-digital convertor-converts the pixel well information to digital information that the computer translates into an X-ray. In the design of this sandwich, some manufacturers (like SuniRay2) have put the A to D converter in a separate module attached to the sensor, while others (e.g., Dexis, E2V) have put all of the components into the head of the sensor. 2. All sensors have some degree of inactive area, because the case that encloses the sensor does not allow edge-to-edge imaging. Some sensors have a little more or a little less inactive area. Having less casing means more active area, but less internal cushioning and more likelihood of a drop on a hard surface causing internal damage. This is a known trade-off in sensor manufacturing because the closer the internal sensor dimensions are to the external case dimensions, the less cushioning can be used to protect the sensor. 3. If you are getting a sensor that terminates in a USB-A connection, then you definitely want to use a 6-inch USB extension to preserve the life of the original USB connector. USB-A, which is the terminating plug on about 80 percent of today's sensors, has a connect/disconnect life of 1,500 cycles. If you are not using an extension, you will eventually wear out the factory plug. Some manufacturers (e.g., Dexis) do not offer a repair or replacement, so you want to preserve that connection from Day One. Extensions can be purchased on Amazon for less than $3 each. It will be the best and cheapest way to preserve the life of the sensor. 4. The most common sensor damage, when the sensor looks perfect on the outside, is compression damage to the internal components of the sensor. If you plan on taking occusal X-rays on kids, make sure that a cotton roll or stick is placed in the molar region so the child cannot bite on the face of the sensor. The sensor face can deflect enough (with biting pressure) to compress the internal components and ruin the sensor. A drop on a hard surface can cause cracking of the FOP or delamination of the internal components. It is imperative that every staff member is aware of the fragile nature of sensors to ensure proper handling. 5. Another common failure point is where the cable meets the sensor. Proper positioning and the use of holders will greatly reduce failures from cable malfunctions. Always make sure that the cable is exiting the mouth without being bitten on. Also, avoid flexing the cable in awkward positions that put undue stress on the cable. Most sensors today have the option for cable replacement, but it is a significant cost. (Also, the sensor needs to be opened up, so there is no guarantee that the cable replacement will not cause other issues.) The best bet is to make sure that every staff member understands correct positioning. 6. In testing many different sensors with a testing phantom designed for objective comparison, I can say that when today's sensors are properly exposed and filtered, there is not a significant diagnostic difference from one to the next. Continued on p. 76 74 JULY 2016 // dentaltown.com http://www.Dentaltown.com http://www.dentaltown.com/MessageBoard/thread.aspx?a=11&s=2&f=111&t=214044&g=1 http://www.dentaltown.com/MessageBoard/thread.aspx?a=11&s=2&f=111&t=138193&g=1 http://www.dentaltown.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Dentaltown July 2016

On Dentaltown.com
HOWARD SPEAKS: On Trust and Telephones
PROFESSIONAL COURTESY: Make Dentistry Great Again
Continuing Education Update
Industry News
Dental Assistant Bonuses
Guided Implantology Docs … You Just Saved $30,000
Curious Curing: How do you know if you’re getting the right output from your LCU?
You Be the Judge: Referral Slips vs. Progress Notes
MB2 Access Pics
Creating the (Sigh) Dream Team
The Truth About Digital X-Ray Sensors
New Products
The Poet Laureate of Dentistry
Townie Choice Awards Preview
Ad Index
Poll
Practice Solutions: LSK121
CONTINUING EDUCATION: Understanding Exceptional- Needs Patients
Dentally Incorrect

Dentaltown July 2016