Digital radiography in dentistry: what it should do for you

Digital radiology will become an important part of dental practice. Manufacturers should develop more sophisticated tools, including software for digital subtraction; image processing routines for the diagnosis of caries, periodontitis and periapical disease; tools for three-dimensional viewing of the teeth and supporting structures; and analysis of bone trabecular pattern for early detection of systemic disease. Hardware improvements should include increased dynamic range and sensitivity to radiation, and improved resolution. Sensors should be made the size of film, and components should be interchangeable across manufacturers. The true opportunity offered by digital imaging, computer-aided diagnosis, should continue to develop with particular attention to development of tools that add value for solving diagnostic problems and ease of use for the dentist and patient.