How to comfortably place digital intraoral sensors.

An overview of working with digital X–ray sensor equipment digital intraoral sensors (See Figure 1, opposite page) and this has given me the opportunity to develop and hone a vast array of tips and techniques to help make capturing images with digital intraoral sensors more comfortable and more consistent than ever before. Before we get into specific sensor placement tips, here are some general best practices dental professionals should know. Positioning Devices: Holder sets help keep the sensor in place and guarantee a good image every time. I recommend using a paralleling device such as the arm and ring positioning system for accuracy and consistency in placement. Eye-balling is not recommended. Sensor Size: Patients' mouths come in all different sizes. Make sure to choose the correct sensor size for comfort and maximum diagnostic imaging. We want to adhere to the ALARA principal at all times. Exposure Settings: Make sure the exposure settings are correct on the X–ray source (65–70 KVP suggested). You will need to adjust exposure times (or pulses), depending on the X–ray source, the physical size of the patient, and the region of the oral cavity to be imaged. Remember that maxil-lary molar images need the most exposure time to penetrate the zygomatic arch and mandibular anterior images need 'll never forget the day the doctor I was working for announced " we're getting digital X–ray sensors. " I had mixed emotions about it; this was a progressive office and I knew I had to give it my best shot. Little did I know that this transition into technology would not only put the fun back into dentistry for me, but that it would also change my professional life forever. I have been a clinical product trainer and sensor placement specialist for 16 years and have had the unique opportunity to watch digital imaging grow into an essential part of an ever–increasing number of dental practices. More and more dental professionals are discovering that digital radiography offers better patient comfort, increases patient understanding and acceptance, and is easier and faster to use than taking film X–rays. Today more than half of all general dentists in the United States use digital imaging—and that number is much higher in certain areas of the country. We are living in a technology–oriented society and it is now expected in a dental office as the standard of care. I have experienced dentistry practiced …