CR and DR: Not Such an Odd Couple

If you’re already using digital radiography (DR) in your practice, you might wonder: What’s the point of adding computed radiography (CR) when I already have sensors to accommodate patients of all shapes and sizes?

The point is that not every patient can comfortably handle a sensor. Some find the sensor so bothersome—especially for bitewings on a patient with large mandibular tori—that they can’t remain immobile long enough to take a good radiograph. This could prevent you from getting a high-quality image, and, therefore, inhibit your diagnosing capabilities. Having a CR system available enables you to ensure your patient’s comfort without sacrificing image quality.

So your next question might be: What’s the learning curve for a CR system?

As it turns out, surprisingly short, if you choose the right one.

A CR system that features a film-like workflow will require minimal training and integrate very smoothly into your daily practice. So if you haven’t moved to digital, this type of system can serve nicely as a stepping stone. And if you are already using digital intraoral sensors, this type of system has a complementary workflow. Both CR and DR address specific needs, and the combination of the two can mean great things for your practice.

For example, when you’re taking a full mouth series on a patient with a shallow palate, they are much more likely to accept a thin, flexible plate over a sensor. When your patient is comfortable, you end up with higher quality radiographs—since there’s no gagging effect. You could also end up with a great review on social media from a patient who, for the first time, had a pleasant imaging experience, thanks to your CR system.

Have you had any experiences with patients that were resolved or could have been resolved by using CR?


Contributors
Edward Shellard, D.M.D. Contributor
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