ABSTRACT
Dental radiographs are usually obtained using a wall mounted generator. Radiographic exposure is controlled by three components: kilovolt peak (kVp), milliamperage (mA), and exposure time. This chapter explains the physics of digital radiography, the advantages of digital systems versus analog film, and the minor adjustments needed for its use. There is minimal variation of tissues within the oral cavity, therefore kVP and mA are constant on most dental radiography units. Dental film is nonscreen, meaning it is directly exposed by the x-ray and does not require an intensifying screen. Digital dental radiography is standard practice in human dentistry in North America and is quickly becoming so in Europe as well as in veterinary practices in both North America and Europe. Semidirect systems utilize a photostimulable phosphor plate, which is covered with phosphor crystals that store the x-ray photon energy. Numerous studies have compared digital radiography images with CR produced images.
