Imaging is a key part of clinical practice. To maximise the potential benefit to their patients, dentists need to have an understanding of how imaging systems work. In the 21st century, we are faced with major technological developments in radiology, of which many dentists will be unfamiliar. This book aims to address these challenges by providing a comprehensive introduction to state-of-the-art dental imaging, in particular to the complexities of digital radiology and the advanced techniques available for cross-sectional imaging.

ISBN: 978-1-85097-097-2

169 pp; 204 illus

Table of Contents
1. The Historical Perspective
2. Intraoral X-ray Equipment and Imaging
3. Panoramic Equipment and Imaging
4. Conventional Image Receptors
5. Digital Imaging
6. Direct Digital Imaging
7. Indirect Digital Imaging
8. Image Storage and Handling
9. Implant Imaging

Foreword
Diagnostic imaging is the commonest form of clinical investigation used in oral diagnosis. In contrast to what existed in the last quarter of the 20th century, practitioners now have a bewildering choice of imaging systems for use in everyday clinical practice Imaging in the 21st century—Volume 28 in the unique Quintessentials of Dental Practice series, provides excellent insight and authoritative guidance on the use of contemporary imaging systems. As expected of titles in the Quintessentials series, this book has been carefully prepared to appeal to, in particular, busy practitioners and students at all levels. The text is generously illustrated, with each chapter concluding with carefully selected references or helpful suggestions for further reading. With the prospect of different forms of digital imaging being widely used, if not largely replacing traditional diagnostic imaging in clinical practice in a matter of five to ten years, existing and future practitioners need to get to grips with the relevant technologies and clinical techniques as soon as is practically possible. This book provides the means to meet this challenge, with lots to interest and information for all members of the dental team. As has come to be expected of all volumes in the Quintessentials series, this is a read-in-a-few-hours, and then keep-to-hand book of immediate practical relevance. This book is a great addition to the Quintessentials series, which continues to go from strength to strength. It is a privilege and honour to be Editor-in-Chief of the series, helping to make books such as this volume available to busy colleagues across the world.

Nairn Wilson, Editor-in-Chief

Preface
The 20th century saw a slow, steady evolution in dental x-ray imaging. Despite obvious improvements in the quality and sophistication of equipment and materials for dental radiography over the first 100 years after Roentgen’s discovery of x-rays, the basic photographic based technologies are the direct descendents of those used in the 1890s. In the 21st century, the foot has been put firmly down on the accelerator as far as dental imaging is concerned. Digital imaging is rapidly becoming the method of choice for dentists in many countries and now we are faced with exciting new developments that promise to revolutionise the way we use images to help in managing our patients.

In writing this book, we had in mind the dentist who was looking for information about “state of the art” dental imaging. While commencing with some historical information to set the scene, we decided to concentrate particularly on digital imaging. Thus, three chapters are devoted specifically to this subject. Nonetheless, despite a “high tech” emphasis in much of the book, we have still included information on conventional image receptors; film remains a cheap and adequate way of imaging dental patients that should not be consigned to the history books just yet. We have also included information on intra oral and panoramic equipment, to help the reader understand what is available and the ideal features to seek when buying. In the final chapter, “Implant Imaging” we have focused on the more complex imaging techniques and equipment that a dentist is unlikely to consider buying, but for which he or she may refer patients.

Keith Horner

Reviews

"21st Century Imaging is an essential text that the new GDP [general dental practitioner] is advised to acquire and read through a couple of times before making any decisions about equipping a surgery for imaging in primary dental care. The same recommendation applies to the established practitioner thinking of re-equipping, and to both old and new practitioners seeking to set up referral pathways.”
Malcolm G.H. Bishop, MSc, BDS, LDS.
Primary Dental Care October 2009