Changes

==Necessary Equipment==

==Necessary Equipment==

[[File:Digital plate.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Digital plate<small>''© Lisa Milella 2013''</small>]]

[[File:Digital plate.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Digital plate<small>''© Lisa Milella 2013''</small>]]

[[File:Digital phosphor plates.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Digital phosphor plates in a protective plastic cover. Occlusal size film and adult periapical size is shown.<small>''© Lisa Milella 2013''</small>]]

[[File:Digital phosphor plates.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Digital phosphor plates in a protective plastic cover. Occlusal and adult periapical sized films are shown.<small>''© Lisa Milella 2013''</small>]]

===Xray Generator===

===Xray Generator===

A '''standard veterinary xray machine''' can be used for taking dental radiographs but it has its limitations. Often the xray machine is not in the same room where the dental procedures are to be carried out which means moving the patient. The tube head is mounted making positioning and adjustments in collimation and angulation difficult and the film-focus distance will need to be adjusted to between 30 and 50 cm which is not always possible with all machines.<br><br>

A '''standard veterinary xray machine''' can be used for taking dental radiographs but it has limitations. Often the xray machine is not in the same room where dental procedures are carried out and this means moving the patient. The tube head is mounted making positioning and adjustments in collimation and angulation difficult and the film-focus distance needs to be adjusted to between 30 and 50 cm which is not always possible with all machines.<br><br>

'''Dental xray generators''' have a mobile head and the collimation is confined by the cone. The cone also gives the film focal distance. The kV and mA are set, the timer being the only adjustable control. Wall-mounted or mobile machines are available.

'''Dental xray generators''' have a mobile head and the collimation is confined by the cone. The cone also gives the film focal distance. The kV and mA are set, the timer being the only adjustable control. Wall-mounted or mobile machines are available.

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===Intra-Oral Film===

===Intra-Oral Film===

Intra-oral or dental films should be used for taking dental radiographs. '''Intraoral films''' do not have intensify screens and thus need a '''high exposure'''. '''Dental film''' is available in '''different speeds'''. The sensitivity of the film determines the required exposure time – faster speed- higher sensitivity, requires less radiation to expose the film. Film sensitivity is increased by using larger silver halide crystals in the emulsion. As a result, E and F speed films produce images with a slightly lower image quality. The decreased image quality only becomes significant when viewed using magnification. The most commonly used speeds in veterinary dentistry are speed D (ultra) and speed E (ekta). Speed D is the equivalent of other nonscreen film but speed E is rated at twice the speed of D, requiring half the exposure, but with a small loss of quality.

Intra-oral or dental films should be used for taking dental radiographs. '''Intraoral films''' do not have intensify screens and thus need a '''high exposure'''. '''Dental film''' is available in '''different speeds'''. The sensitivity of the film determines the required exposure time – faster speed- higher sensitivity, requires less radiation to expose the film. Film sensitivity is increased by using larger silver halide crystals in the emulsion. As a result, E and F speed films produce images with a slightly lower image quality. The decreased image quality only becomes significant when viewed using magnification. The most commonly used speeds in veterinary dentistry are speed D (ultra) and speed E (ekta). Speed D is the equivalent of other non-screen film but speed E is rated at twice the speed of D, requiring half the exposure, with a small loss of quality.

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Films are available in different sizes but the 3 most commonly used in dentistry are : occlusal film (5cm x 7cm) or size 4, adult periapical (3cm x 4cm) or size 2, and child periapical (2cm x 3.5cm) or size 1.

Films are available in different sizes but the 3 most commonly used in dentistry are: occlusal film (5cm x 7cm) or size 4, adult periapical (3cm x 4cm) or size 2, and child periapical (2cm x 3.5cm) or size 1.

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Each film packet has individual wrapping to protect the film from light and moisture. The film inside the packet is wrapped in a black paper envelope. A lead foil covers the side of the film positioned away from the xray beam to protect against secondary radiation.

Each film packet has individual wrapping to protect the film from light and moisture. The film inside the packet is wrapped in a black paper envelope. A lead foil covers the side of the film positioned away from the xray beam to protect against secondary radiation.