Blog Category: Dental X-rays

XTG Handheld X-ray Training

XTG Handheld X-ray Training for Your Practice

New to Digital Doc’s XTG Handheld X-ray device? In the article below, our Digital Doc team discusses training for the XTG Handheld X-ray Device. The successful training of this training is required in some jurisdictions. Please note that as part of this training, users should study the XTG Handheld X-ray Device Manual in its entirety before operating this device. It is your responsibility to ensure the proper and safe use of XTG. Complete any applicable exams or certificates of completion required by your jurisdiction. This training is presented under the assumption that operators have basic radiation training.

This video will include the following:

XTG Difference
XTG Settings
Proper Positioning
Safety
Warranty/Technology Support

XTG Difference

The XTG provides your office with a new patient experience. This unit allows the operator to stay in the room with the patient. Explain to the patient that your office invests in technology that is safe, now allowing the operator to stay in the room when taking x-rays. Efficiency is important for both the patient and the office, as this device will save you time, taking your series of x-rays.

The shoulder strap allows the operator to take an x-ray and adjust the sensor without putting the x-ray down, saving you time. The unit, when worn cross-shoulder, distributes the weight throughout your back, making it lightweight, reducing operator fatigue.

XTG Control Panel & Display

Please refer to the XTG Training video to learn about the following:

The position is Power & Off
Patient Size (Adult/Child)
Ready Status Indicator
kV Type Display
Battery Charge Indicator
Mode select (s) button
Up/Down Exposure Time Control Button
Exposure Time/Error Display
Tooth Type Display

XTG Exposure Time

When choosing exposure time, consider the following:

Image density preference
Clinical quality preference
The various imaging sensors available
Patient size & practitioner techniques

Exposing an X-Ray

The XTG Has a two-step exposure button that has a safety that unlocks for five seconds. To unlock, just press and release the button. To take an x-ray, you will press and hold the exposure button until the system completes the series of beeps.

Positioning with XTG

With every exposure, make sure the backscatter shield is parallel with the operator. You can use rin holders or bite tabs. If using a ring holder, we recommend using this short rin bar. You want to be as close to the patients’ cheek as possible with any image you’re taking. The traditional rin bars can be too long, causing the exposure to remain away from the patient, resulting in poor image quality.

Bitewing Imaging

For the bitewing imaging, just keep your patient looking straight ahead. For the posterior mandibular pa, the patient will tilt their head up and to the side. Posterior maxillary pa, the patient will tilt their head down and to the side. There are multiple positions for anterior pa for adult and pedo. See the video to learn more.

Disinfecting XTG

Disinfecting your handheld x-ray device is easy. You can wipe this unit down with a non-alcohol wipe, such as a sani cloth. You can use a sheath to cover the shoulder strap, blue tape for the side strap, or a bag to cover the entire unit.

Battery Replacement

To replace your battery, simply remove the two screws on the bottom of the XTG, remove the battery, and replace. This can be done in the office.

XTG Warranty

A one year warranty on XTG covers all manufactured defects. Extended warranty is available. Contact your local Digital Doc territory manager for more details.

Only trained operators should be allowed to use XTG. Review the XTG user manual, follow all safety recommendations, stay in the safe protection zone, site through the backscatter shield. If you’re not able to stay in the protection zone, you should wear protective clothing. Secure the XTG when not in use in its locked case. Follow all rules for radiation safety in your local jurisdiction—Register XTG with the appropriate agency. Contact Digital Doc if you have any questions or need support.

How Dental Technology Can Relax Patients

How Dental Technology Can Relax Dental Patients

Fear of visiting the dental office is an issue people face all over the world. In a recent worldwide survey of about 18k people, more than 60% of respondents said they were suffering from dental anxiety and fear of the dentist. More often than not, patients are avoiding their dentists altogether. Fortunately, new advanced dental technology improves the overall patient experience. Below, we explain how dental technology can relax patients and increase case acceptance.

Understanding Your Patients’ Needs

In the dental office, anxious patients usually show irritability, are not agreeable and are more likely to respond to pain than their compound counterparts. These responses are troublesome not only for the patient but also for dental professionals. In order to prevent unpleasant patient encounters and ensure quality treatment, dentists and their teams need to practice meaningful ways to assist patients with dental anxieties to help them resolve and conquer their fears. Here are a few ways you can incorporate these technologies into your practice.

Teledentistry

Teledentistry has become increasingly popular during the COVID-19 pandemic. To reduce potential exposures while keeping oral care, many dentists are utilizing Teledentistry. To learn more about Teledentistry, read Facts About Teledentistry.

Now that most Americans have cell phones, tablets and laptops are now fitted with high-precision cameras resulting in ultra-high-definition images; patients may obtain dental appointments from the comfort of their own homes without the stress and anxiety associated with them.

Benefits of Teledentistry

With Teledentistry, new patients will no longer have to waste time in the waiting room while you consult video instead. There is no need for dental assistants to donate and drop off personal protective equipment (PPE) for each new patient on board.

You may also have an extra degree of comfort and protection when it comes to periodic patient checks to monitor your home treatment or the healing of a newly implanted implant. There was no waiting room, no travel, and, again, no PPE required. Teledentistry helps reduce fear while ensuring their safety during a pandemic.

Virtual Reality

One of the most daunting aspects of dental anxiety that practitioners face today is the fear of the patient having to experience unnecessary discomfort during the operation. Despite advancements in medical methods and technology, the majority of people are still delaying or even fully refusing dental care due to the fear and anxiety surrounding the pain.

Doctors everywhere are putting patients at ease with virtual reality (VR). Of course the distraction takes away from the pain. By encouraging a patient to concentrate his or her attention on other thoughts, less attention is available to the pain.

Virtual reality (VR) uses advanced technology to create virtual environments (VE) that allow patients to immerse themselves in an immersive, simulated world. These sophisticated devices communicate with the VE at several levels, stimulating sights, sounds, and motion to promote immersion in the virtual world to improve pain distraction.

Our friends at Park Hills Family Dentistry, a dental office in Lexington, KY, add that studies have shown that patient participation in VE decreased their recorded levels of pain during dental work.

Advanced Dental Technology

Thanks to advanced dental technology, doctors are able to provide patients with a more accurate diagnosis, quality treatment, and maximum comfort. As a dentist, you need technology you can rely on. The IRIS intraoral cameras easily capture high-resolution images. You can show patients and insurance companies exactly what you’re seeing. As a result, patients are more likely to say yes to your treatment plan. Contact us today to find out which IRIS intraoral is right for your practice.

The XTG handheld x-ray device is another practice staple. Dentists everywhere enjoy our portable device that not only shoots pristine images but also has less radiation than traditional dental x-rays. The XTG comes with a shoulder strap and portable batteries. Taking dental x-rays has never been this easy!

Lastly, our new digital x-ray sensor, Blu, is your second set of eyes. Patients love Blu because it’s comfortable and noninvasive. It comes in two different sizes for maximum comfort. As you know, Quality digital radiography is necessary for an accurate diagnosis. That’s why we designed the Blū with 27 lp/mm & an active image area of 980 square mm.

All of our Digital Doc products are designed to make serving patients easier and more effective. Increase patient rapport and comfort when you implement our products into your practice. Contact Digital Doc today to learn how to bring your practice to the next level.

Tips for Taking Proper Digital Radiographs

Tips for Taking Proper Digital Radiographs in Your Practice

One of the most important advancements in dentistry is digital radiography. It saves time, and it’s less labor-intensive, has reduced radiation exposure, and makes patient diagnosis a breeze.

Radiographs are similar to dental x-rays, with the only difference being the digital sensor. Digital Doc’s Blū digital x-ray sensor captures crystal-clear images instantly. This makes radiographs an essential part of any dental practice. To make sure that you are using your new dental sensor properly, our Digital Doc team shares the following tips for taking proper digital radiographs.

Operating Your New Digital X-Ray Sensor

Below are a few tips on how to comfortably and properly take digital radiographs.

Maxillary Anterior

When taking a radiograph of the maxillary anterior segment, use a rolling scoop motion to position the sensor in the patient’s mouth. Make sure that you place the dental x-ray sensor parallel to the long axis of the teeth. After moving the sensor’s cable to one side, have the patient bite down onto the bite block. Once stable, you can press the exposure button.

Mandibular Anterior

A radiograph of the mandibular anterior segment may be a bit uncomfortable for the patient. To help with the discomfort, tell your patient to place the tip of their tongue to the lingual of their lower jaw incisor teeth. You can then use a rolling scoop motion and place the sensor on top of the tongue before rolling it into an upright position. The tongue acts as a cushion for any tender or sensitive soft tissue. Once the dental sensor has again been placed parallel to the teeth’s long axis and the bite block centered on the mandibular central incisors, the patient can then bite down on the block. When stability is achieved, you can press the exposure button.

Posterior Mandibular

A posterior mandibular segment x-ray can be uncomfortable for your patient. You can therefore use a foam cushion or gauze to provide some comfort. Ensure the cushioning you use is compatible with your digital dental sensor before use. To take the radiograph, retract the patient’s cheek using either an instrument or your finger and guide the intraoral sensor into the mouth, placing it between the teeth and the tongue at a 45º angle. Steadily move the sensor back till it’s level will the posterior teeth, either molars or premolars. Repeating the process again, move the cable out of the way, have the patient bite down on the bite block, and press the exposure button once stability is achieved.

Posterior Maxillary

The radiograph of your patient’s posterior maxillary segment employs the same technique as above, the only difference coming in during the positioning of the sensor and its angling. Unlike in the posterior mandibular segment x-ray, the best intraoral sensor is angled to capture the apices of the roots.

More Tips for Taking Proper Digital Radiographs

Apart from these detailed suggestions for taking digital radiographs, you can also:

Ensure you use the correct dental x-ray alignment

Correctly positioning your receptor as well as your handheld x-ray beam, ensures that the images come out clear. If either one or both are not positioned correctly, the teeth may appear overlapped, shortened, or elongated in the x-rays.

Ensure you include the patient’s whole mouth with the dental x-rays

Dr. Ben Kacos, a dentist in Shreveport, LA, says that he often takes full-mouth x-rays. If you are required to take a panoramic x-ray, include all the mouth sections, even those with missing teeth, such as when wisdom teeth have been removed.

Refrain from bending the x-ray film

Bending the receptor or film may result in unclear or distorted images. To counter this, either use rigid digital receptors as they cannot be bent and are made using hard plastic or use a receptor that best fits the patient’s mouth size when they bite.

Adjust exposure when taking an x-ray

For an x-ray to produce a properly exposed image, it should be noted that a larger mouth requires more light as compared to a smaller mouth. You should, therefore, adjust your exposure settings depending on the patient’s mouth size. As compared to a larger adult, a petite adult or child may require a lower setting. Failing to set your exposure correctly may produce images that are over or underexposed.

Make your patient comfortable

A patient who is uncomfortable tends to reposition themselves or move while the x-ray image is being captured. Those movements may cause the images produced to be poorly defined or blurry. You can help keep your patient still by:

Ease their gag reflex. This can be done by telling your patient to hum, breathe deeply through their nose, or refocus their attention.
Providing your patient with neck and head support before you capture the x-rays using your XTG portable dental x-ray.

Following these tips will ensure that your radiographs are of good diagnostic quality. If you need more help operating your new dental sensor by Digital Doc, our support team is happy to help. Are you interested in upgrading your dental sensor to Blū? Schedule your free virtual demonstration today.

How the XTG Handheld X-Ray Can Help Your Practice

handheld x-ray can help your practice - Digital Doc

How the XTG Handheld X-Ray Can Help Your Practice

How the XTG Handheld X-Ray Helps Dental Practices

It doesn’t matter whether your dental practice currently uses digital or film X-ray sensors. The XTG handheld X-ray device will fit right in and bring advanced radiology right into your operatory! This portable X-ray system can be worn like a cross-body bag or guitar, or you can mount it on a tripod within the operatory. The choice is yours.

However, many dentists prefer to use the shoulder strap so that the x-ray device rests on your hip. In this way, you can walk around your operatory or from one room to another. At just 5.2 pounds, the portable dental x-ray system is the lightest in its class. Therefore, you should have no worries that you will suffer any aches and pains while using this device.

Besides, this handheld dental x-ray is designed to be used with only one hand, so you can switch to using your left or right hand in the course of the day just for its variety! In this article, we share how the XTG handheld x-ray can help your practice.

Benefits of Using the XTG Handheld Dental X-Ray

Reduced risk of radiation exposure.

Traditional x-ray equipment isn’t just bulky but carries a higher risk of radiation exposure. As patients become more conscious about their safety, it helps to invest in an XTG portable dental x-ray device. Patients will appreciate the new x-ray device that drastically reduces the amount of radiation to which a patient is exposed without compromising the quality of the images captured.

Ease of use.

Once our Digital Doc team helps you set up the XTG portable x-ray system, all you have to do is plug it in and start taking clear x-ray images. You’ll save more time with the XTG because it’s so user friendly. In other words, just about anyone can operate this device.

Higher case acceptance rates.

The images taken using the portable dental x-ray system can be instantly displayed on a patient education monitor. Dr. Ben Kacos, the best dentist in Shreveport, LA, agrees that it helps if the monitor is large (think 50-plus inches) to see the high-quality x-ray images clearly. As you point out the areas of concern to a patient, that individual will be in no doubt regarding the necessity of the treatment plan that you propose since they will have seen for themselves the magnitude of the defect.

The list of benefits of using the handheld dental x-ray system goes on and on. Dentists enjoy using this x-ray device because it offers better care to patients, improves workflow, and increases case acceptance. Contact us today and schedule an in-office or virtual demonstration of how the XTG can be beneficial to your dental practice.

Benefits of a Dental Sensor

5 Benefits of a Dental Sensor

5 Benefits of a Dental Sensor: Blū By Digital Doc

Dental x-rays are an essential part of routine dental exams. Not only is it important to examine the external areas of teeth, but it’s important to examine the internal areas as well. There is no denying that traditional dental x-rays have helped many people. However, advancements in technology have allowed engineers to create products that provide instant, HD digital imagery. Going digital can take your practice to the next level, but what exactly are the benefits of a dental sensor?

1. High-Resolution Imagery in Your Office

Dental technology bridges the gap between doctors and patients. How so? By providing crystal clear imagery, you can show your patients the problem rather than tell them about the problem you see. It’s hard to say yes to expensive procedures when the problem isn’t apparent in low-quality imaging. The HD imagery of Digital Doc’s Intraoral Dental Sensor–Blū–will support your prognosis and justify your treatment plan.

2. Increase Efficiency

The x-ray portion of a routine exam can be the most time-consuming part of the process. With intraoral dental sensors, minimal setup and minimal adjustments are required. This decrease in setup time increases overall office efficiency and allows you to spend more time on what actually matters: the patient.

Traditional dental x-rays take several minutes for the image to develop. An intraoral dental sensor allows you to capture an image and produce it within seconds. Even Dr. Ben Kacos, a dentist in Shreveport, LA, agrees that this saves the dental offices and patients valuable time. For example, if retakes are needed, the dental provider will know right away. In some traditional x-ray cases, the provider won’t know retakes are needed until after the patient has already left the examination room. Saving time is important for dental offices AND the patients!

3. Decrease Patient Radiation Exposure + Reduce Your Waste

It’s not a secret that x-rays expose patients to radiation. Dental sensors take away 70% of this risk. With digital dental sensors, you no longer need radiographic film or processing solutions. The processing solutions are harmful to the environment, and the film can be wasteful. At first, dental sensors seem costly, but in the long run, eliminating the needs for traditional x-ray materials and the disposal fees that come with it saves dental offices time and money.

4. Comfortable, Portable, and Durable

Traditional x-ray methods can be uncomfortable for patients. Not to mention traditional x-ray machines take up a lot of space. Digital Doc’s Blū Intraoral Sensor comes in the perfect size, making for the best patient experience possible. When purchasing your Blū Intraoral Sensor, you can choose from a 1.0 and 2.0. Each sensor is about 4.8 mm thick, with the dimensions of 31.3 mm X 42.9 mm.

5. Digital Doc Support

As an industry leader, it’s our job to provide you with high-quality products and premium support. Implementing your new dental sensor will be easy with the help of Digital Doc Support. Our virtual training will teach everyone how to maximize these benefits in your office. If you have any questions or concerns about your Digital Doc products, you can always count on us.

Blū with Digital Doc

At Digital Doc, we design products with the dentist and patient in mind. Not only do we create easy-to-use products, but we create products that produce easy-to-understand imagery.

The Blū intraoral dental sensor exemplifies these design principles. Our talented team of engineers created a product that can bring your practice to the next level. Don’t believe it? See for yourself and schedule a free virtual demo today.

Choosing the Best Portable X-Ray Device

How to Choose the Best Portable X-Ray Device for Your Practice

How to Choose the Best Portable X-Ray Device

As a dental healthcare professional, the ability to diagnose and plan treatment for your patients is important, and dental X-ray machines make that possible. That said, it can be challenging choosing the best portable x-ray device for your clinical needs. Below, we discuss how to choose the best portable x-ray device for your practice.

Ease of Use

Choosing an x-ray device that is difficult for you and your staff to use is not practical. You’ll be using it quite often, so why not choose something that’s user friendly? Do some research on testimonials and the type of software it uses. This will directly affect how easy it is to implement your new portable handheld x-ray.

Ease of use can also come from the quality of the customer support that the manufacturer offers. For example, Digital Doc offers virtual demonstrations and training, making the transition that much smoother.

Quality Dental Technology Brand

Always do your research before investing in dental technology for your practice. Finding a manufacturer with a well-known reputation is the key to finding the best dental technology. As a dentist, it’s your responsibility to provide the best dental care possible, which means you need dental products you can heavily rely on.

Dr. Chris Green, an emergency dentist in Parker, CO, suggests that you only buy a handheld dental x-ray machine if you are certain that the manufacturer has a solid reputation in the industry. That way, you and your team can get the support your dental practice needs and enjoy the benefits o your purchase.

Low Patient Exposure

Most of us are exposed to some sort of radiation every day. Whether the radiation is from your cell phone, computer, microwave, etc. Many every day, things emit some level of radiation. As a dentist, it’s important to follow safe and extra precautions. For example, patients are required to wear a lead apron to prevent radiation exposure.

You may be happy to hear that digital x-ray devices only need 20% of the amount of radiation traditional x-rays machines need. Schedule a virtual demonstration to learn more about Digital Doc’s portable x-ray device.

High Image Quality

Our digital x-ray device is like no other. That’s why thousands of dentists worldwide trust Digital Doc products. Doctors and team members are able to take numerous high-quality images using our XTG handheld x-ray device. Just like any premium HD camera, the device is able to enhance the clarity of all images. Additionally, there is little human error when you use our portable handheld x-ray device.

As you can see, the task of shopping for a handheld dental x-ray device for your practice needs to be preceded by sufficient planning and research so that you can avoid making a costly mistake. At Digital Doc, we have your needs at heart and will help you every step of the way so that you can have the best dental technology. Contact us today to schedule a virtual demonstration.

Cost-Effectiveness of Handheld X-Rays

Cost Effectiveness of Handheld X-Rays

Cost-Effectiveness of Handheld X-Rays at Digital Doc

Any decision to purchase new dental equipment for your office will require strong justification. A lot of time and money can are on the line when you invest in your business, but there’s no need to worry. Our dental technology experts at Digital Doc offer free virtual demonstrations so you can make an informed decision. If you’re on the fence about purchasing our x-ray system, read below to learn about the true cost-effectiveness of handheld x-rays.

Ensures Patient Security and Comfort

Patients today are much more demanding of their healthcare providers. Having to move patients from their dental chair to a dental x-ray room detracts from patient comfort. New patients may even be taken back by the lack of modern technology.

However, when you have a portable dental x-ray device, the need to move patients is eliminated. Patients can remain comfortable while the bedside x-ray device is used to get the necessary radiographic imagery needed.

Space Economy

A discussion about the cost-effectiveness of portable dental x-ray devices is incomplete until the limited amount of space they require is considered. Traditional x-ray equipment is so bulky that a lot of space has to be dedicated to it.

Rather than occupy an entire room as the traditional radiology equipment does, the XTG handheld x-ray device is so compact that one would hardly notice that another device from Digital Doc has been added to the operatory.

The space saved can be used for anything you want. You can even transform it into another operatory or use it for additional storage.

High Diagnostic Efficacy

Handheld dental x-ray devices make it easier to arrive at the right diagnosis the first time. Additionally, patients will be able to start treatment much sooner.

Getting high-quality x-ray images the first time means that the dental practice will not waste time on retaking x-ray images. So, the operating costs of the office will remain manageable.

Dr. Kristina Neda, a dentist in Georgetown, KY, agrees that dental offices with modern dental technology have a higher case acceptance. Patients feel confident in their decision to start treatment when they’re shown how urgent the problem is. Handheld x-rays allow you to do just that.

As you can see, portable dental X-Ray systems offer both clinical and cost-effectiveness benefits when compared to traditional x-ray devices. If you are looking to upgrade your x-ray system, contact Digital Doc, and we will happily help.