Digital dental X-ray machines have been around for more than two decades at this point, and digital radiography is now widespread throughout the dental market. In fact, some studies have shown that up to 70% of all dental practices now use digital dental X-ray machines. However, despite the widespread use of digital radiography, there are still many dental practices that hold on to the old tradition of using film panoramic X-rays. Perhaps your practice is one of them.
Since there are a number of significant benefits to using digital X-ray technology, it’s worth at least a cursory examination to try to understand the reasons that some dentists still use film to capture extraoral radiographs. Traditional radiography is not all bad - but let’s peel back the layers to compare both technologies.
Film Imaging
Traditional dental X-ray machines, which use film to develop the images produced, utilize technology that has been around for over a century. Generally speaking, traditional panoramic X-ray machines create images by positioning a film behind, or near the area to be examined (in this case, a patient’s dentition) and irradiating it with a small dose of radiation. This information is then captured on the film and developed in a dark room using special, reactive chemicals.
Pros of Film Imaging
While digital imaging has made great strides in recent years and is often considered the superior option from a diagnostic, environmental and workflow perspective, panoramic film radiography has some advantages. Some benefits of traditional dental extraoral imaging include.
● It may already exist in the dental workflow
This is not a particularly powerful argument, but there is a good chance that some dentists see the pre-existence of dental film radiography as a benefit. If it already exists in a dental office, there are no new costs associated with upgrading equipment and no staff learning curve or training that needs to be invested.
● Film images cannot be easily manipulated
While the image manipulation or enhancement that is possible with digital radiography is generally seen as a benefit, it can also be a liability. Once a film X-ray image is developed, it is nearly impossible to manipulate or change the image output. In some respects, this makes film X-ray images more secure than digital images, despite the fact that they sometimes don’t deliver the same level of clarity and detail.
Cons of Film Imaging
As might have been expected, there are a significant number of drawbacks associated with traditional dental panoramic X-ray equipment that utilizes film imaging. While there are a few minor advantages, there are several obvious shortcomings.
● Processing film takes time
One of the biggest shortcomings of traditional dental X-ray machines is that developing the film takes time. This stands in contrast to digital imaging that can produce very high resolution, easily manipulable images in seconds. This shortcoming with respect to expediency might be seen as an inefficiency by some dental professionals, or even for patients who expect quick results and diagnoses.
● Dealing with hazardous chemicals
Traditional panoramic dental X-ray machines require a darkroom, processor and hazardous chemicals that need to be properly handled and disposed of. By comparison, digital imaging simply requires a computer to process the images. Migrating to digital panoramic technology means also eliminating the use and eventual disposal of these chemicals.
● Issues associated with over or underexposing the image
Over or underexposing the film can adversely impact the quality of the image produced. In either of these cases, the level of clarity of the image will suffer and the contrast on the film can be harder to read, resulting in less effective professional diagnoses. Additionally, improper handling of film X-rays can cause smudging, cloudiness, or other issues that can make it more difficult to read the results. Because it takes extra time to process the films, any retakes will further delay patient care, increasing practice inefficiencies.
● Film X-rays waste space
Traditional X-rays must be categorized, filed and stored. In addition, darkroom and processing space can take up valuable practice real estate. Digital dental imaging eliminates the need to store films or develop X-rays, so this space can be used for more productive and revenue-generating activities.
● Practice perception and reputation
Let’s face it; we all live in a “digital world.” Patients and referring practices often consider film X-rays older, obsolete technology, and may view your practice as not as technologically (or clinically) advanced if you’re still using traditional panoramic imaging. In addition, digital panoramic X-rays or cone beam images that can be displayed on a large monitor or screen can help patients better visualize their dental conditions, as well as your treatment recommendations, often resulting in higher treatment acceptance. This benefit is clearly absent when viewing static film images where dental anomalies can be less visible and more difficult for patients to understand.
Digital Imaging
Digital imaging also produces detailed images of teeth, bones and tissues, but does so using digital sensors instead of film. With digital radiography, the digital sensor detects the image and sends it electronically to a computer where it can be immediately processed and displayed.
Pros of Digital Panoramic Imaging
Digital dental radiography is free from many of the drawbacks associated with traditional dental film X-ray machines and provides several of the following advantages.
● High-quality images in less time, without harmful chemicals
One of the greatest benefits of digital dental X-ray machines is that they can produce high quality images, of equivalent or even better image quality, than traditional X-ray machines, in a fraction of the time. Where it can take several minutes to develop film, digital radiography can produce X-ray images within seconds, and the process requires none of the chemicals necessary to develop film X-rays.
● Digital radiography offers image enhancement tools
Another benefit of digital radiography is that it offers image filters and other enhancement tools that can be used to increase contrast, alter the color of the image, zoom in to view more details, or apply specialty-specific adjustments. Using tools present in most leading dental imaging software, these image enhancement capabilities can increase a dentist’s ability to view and diagnose potential issues more quickly and with greater accuracy. Plus, they allow patients to view and understand their dental conditions, as well as your recommended treatment options more easily. This improved understanding often results in better treatment acceptance and continuance rates, and improved patient care.
● Storing data is much easier and more secure with digital technology
Since digital images are stored and kept safe and secure on a computer, there is no longer a need to keep, store and archive paper patient charts.
Cons of Digital Dental Imaging
On the flip side, some of the following reasons might be factors that motivate some dental professionals to hang onto their analog film dental panoramic X-ray machines.
● Purchase costs can be daunting
Digital extraoral X-ray machines can be very expensive, especially when purchased new. In fact, they are often the highest priced equipment item in any dental or dental specialty practice. This might discourage some dental professionals from considering the idea of a digital upgrade, despite the obvious advantages over traditional dental film imaging.
● There can be a steep learning curve
Switching from film to digital radiography is a completely different workflow, becoming familiar not only with the operation of the machine but the use of a computer and associated dental imaging software. This completely new workflow can often be overwhelming for some office staff.
Why Do Some Dentists Still Use Dental Film Imaging?
Most dentists today realize that film dental X-ray technology is dated when compared to the capabilities of modern digital dental radiography. Then, why do up to 30% of all US dental professionals still use traditional X-ray film to treat their patients?
● Discouraged by the cost of upgrading
The primary objection that traditional film users might raise is that digital technology is just too expensive. Perhaps you are planning on retiring or selling or practicing soon, so you don’t see any benefit to upgrading to digital dental technology at this point. Practices with digital technology are even more attractive to dental practice buyers, so it makes sense to upgrade to digital imaging to improve the value of your practice, if nothing else.
Upgrading to digital imaging doesn’t have to be costly. Buying a used certified pre-owned dental X-ray machine from a trusted reseller like Renew Digital can save you up to 50% off the cost of buying a new digital panoramic X-ray or cone beam system. Given the wide range of affordable used digital extraoral imaging systems available within the market, there really isn’t a valid reason to wait.
● Concerned about the learning curve
No dentist wants his or her staff to be frustrated with the tools they need to use to care for their patients or perform their daily work. Learning new technology might seem like an insurmountable chore to manage on top of their other professional and clinical responsibilities.
If you and/or your dental team members are concerned about the learning curve and workflow changes associated with adopting digital imaging technology, most dental offices that have made the move from film agree that, once you get used to it, the digital process is much easier than traditional imaging methods. Today most everyone is familiar with computers and software, so migrating to digital technology does not carry the fear it used to just a decade or two ago.
If you purchase your equipment from a trusted certified reseller like Renew Digital, they should provide training with the used dental equipment, so you can upgrade to a digital X-ray machine without worrying about the amount of time you and your team members will have to invest in learning the new technology. Make sure you purchase digital dental X-ray equipment from a trusted resource that provides a full warranty, including customer service and support, just in case you need some extra help during the transition process.
● Lack of familiarity with film disposal or regulations
There might also be some state or regional-specific regulations associated with the storage or disposal of old dental film that some dentists might not have the time to investigate. If this is the case for you, remember that at some point you will have to face the regulations regardless. It depends on the laws in your jurisdiction, but you might be able to hang onto the old files. The laws regarding storage and disposal vary by state, but that’s no reason not to streamline your processes with digital technology. Every year that you don’t, your collection of records that you need to maintain will only grow.
Call Renew Digital to Save up to 50% Off Dental X-ray Machines!
These are only some of the possible reasons why some dentists and dental specialists still use film X-rays, despite the fact that digital imaging has become the standard in providing quality dental care. You may have some specific reasons of your own that have caused your hesitance, as well.
Give Renew Digital a call to learn how we can help make the transition to a digital panoramic X-ray or cone beam machine easier and more affordable than ever. You can reach us by calling 888-246-5611 or contacting us online to learn more about our available panoramic X-ray or CBCT machines and how they can make your practice and processes more efficient.
Not only will you save up to 50% when shopping with Renew Digital as opposed to buying a new digital dental X-ray machine, but we provide financing, support and comprehensive warranty coverage. Our low prices include installation and training, as well as onsite service, replacement parts, and unlimited technical support throughout your warranty. There’s little reason to stick with film when more affordable digital options are available, and Renew Digital is here to help you get there. Call us today and we’ll be happy to answer your questions and address your concerns.
