In the wake of the Coronavirus pandemic, we have seen a rise in the use of creative and adaptive dental methodologies and techniques for dentists and dental specialists to reduce the risk of cross-contamination. One such example is the increased use of the panoramic bitewing feature now available with today’s extraoral dental X-ray machines. Many dental professionals previously held the belief that extraoral bitewing images were of inferior quality to their intraoral counterparts. However, thanks to improvements in modern dental technology, you can get similar quality diagnostic images and benefits with either intraoral or extraoral dental X-rays.
In addition to the obvious decrease in patient contamination risks, extraoral bitewings also have several other benefits.
Intraoral imaging introduces more contamination risks for patients and dental team members alike as films or sensors are repeatedly placed in and out of the patient’s mouth during full mouth series or bitewing exams. Extraoral bitewings captured by panoramic dental X-ray machines help reduce this risk, along with the added benefit of eliminating aerosols released by patient coughing or gagging from bulky and uncomfortable intraoral devices.
The ability of extraoral dental X-ray machines to provide clear, high-quality panoramic bitewing images has improved significantly in recent years. Now it is often equally as easy to see critical tooth structures, anatomy, and anomalies with extraoral bitewings as it has been with intraoral X-rays. This gives you almost the same amount of diagnostic information, but with much less discomfort and risk for you and your patients.
By having the same high-quality bitewing images through extraoral imaging, you are able to provide equally as accurate diagnoses for patient treatment. In fact, a study conducted at the Liverpool University Dental Hospital in March 2020 found that 92% of panoramic bitewing images were considered to be excellent quality, and another 7% were diagnostically acceptable.
All dental professionals are bound by the ALARA principle, which states that any radiation used to capture patient images should be As Low As Reasonably Achievable. Every time you take an X-ray, you are exposing your patients to radiation. The use of panoramic bitewings captured by extraoral dental X-ray machines can reduce exposure up to 40% over the use of traditional intraoral images.
Intraoral X-rays consist of separate snapshots of the dental anatomy for the practitioner to “piece together”. These images provide tremendous detail, but not in relationship to adjacent teeth within the dental arch. Extraoral dental X-ray machines use a panoramic view to show more of the dental anatomy in relationship to different dental structures. This allows you to see the entire dentition at once and how they affect each other. By seeing a larger view, you can make more informed decisions about your patients’ overall dental health to provide more accurate diagnoses and develop more comprehensive treatment plans more efficiently.
Coronavirus has affected the way we all work. Dental and dental specialty practices are seeing more patients, often with less staff, and with more stringent safety and infection control protocols than ever before. That means they need to diagnose and treat patients as quickly and effectively as possible. Extraoral bitewings are captured by a quick rotation around the patient’s head, completed in just a few seconds. Conventional intraoral X-rays, however, are more cumbersome and can take several minutes to complete. In today’s dental practice, every minute counts.
Even when the COVID-19 pandemic is less of a threat, both your patients and your staff will still appreciate the comfort and ease of use that comes with extraoral bitewing imaging. Upgrade your practice today by calling Renew Digital at 888-246-5611. Our Sales Representatives are ready to help you find the perfect dental X-ray machine, fully equipped with extraoral bitewings, for your practice needs. You can also contact us online if you have any questions about any of our products. We look forward to hearing from you!