Dental practices using film x-ray systems for intraoral imaging, as well as panoramic or cephalometric films, make use of numerous specialized products for capturing, developing, presenting and storing the film radiographs. Every part of the process is important. This starts with the actual x-ray film that must be properly stored and handled during use. Processing chemicals must also be stored and used before they expire, while processing and duplicating equipment must be maintained. Because so many steps are involved in a film radiography workflow, it is important for a practice to have a well defined imaging protocol and a well-stocked inventory of the necessary film radiography products.
What Types of Film Radiography Products are Available for My Practice?
For dental practices using film x-rays, the film itself is an important consideration. X-ray films are available in different sizes for
intraoral and extraoral
panoramic images. These films are then processed, most commonly in an
automatic film processor. Specialized
chemicals are used to process the x-rays. Once the images are ready specialized
holders are designed to keep a set of images grouped together, while
illuminators make it easier to view the images for diagnosis. While a film x-ray is a single hard copy of an image,
duplicators are available to copy these images for insurance or referral purposes. Practices making the transition from film to digital can also invest in a
film scanner to create digital copies of the film images.
How Should I Select the Film Radiography Products for My Practice?
Using film x-rays is a procedure that requires specific steps at specific times and great care to properly expose the films and then handle them appropriately during processing. This means it is important to invest in film radiography products that are designed to work together. The film must be compatible with the processing chemicals, and those chemicals in turn must be able to work in the automatic processor you choose. Be sure to find products that are easy to use and to store them properly so they work exactly as they are designed.
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