Importance of digital imaging in general dentistry

Posted on 8/22/2022 by Brian Rounds, DDS

Since its emergence, digital imaging has gained more and more prevalence in the dental specialty. Digital dental imaging is a form of advanced technique and technology used to take precise photographic films of the oral cavity, including the cells and tissue structures that are not visible to the naked eye. Digital imaging devices are used to examine the oral cavity intensely to assess for disease, create impressions of the teeth, guide treatment plans for various procedures, and screen for malignancy in the mouth.

Importance of digital imaging

Digital imaging is an important tool for the dentist as it helps diagnose and treat precisely a patient's condition and minimizes the number of examinations taken during the treatment. Through digital imaging, dentists can produce highly accurate replicas in the making or molding of teeth, tissue, and gums in the mouth instead of conventional messy modeling impressions.

Enhanced imaging through X-rays and scans helps provide more information about the dental condition due to the high resolutions used. They can also be zoomed in to identify potential problems better as they have enlarging options. This factor also helps improve the accuracy of diagnosis and treatment as illnesses out of sight can be identified. Digital imaging also helps save time as you do not have to wait for the image to be processed; therefore, conditions are treated immediately. Adjustments after a procedure are also minimized, for example, shaping down custom-made prostheses.

Also, as compared to traditional imaging methods, digital imaging is beneficial and comfortable for patients. For example, patients with a gag reflex won't have devices stuck in their mouths. They also enable the delivery of same-day restorations for patients as they waste no time, making treatment faster. Treatment errors and complications are also minimal with these digital techniques.