Glossary

Digital imaging and communication in medicine, or DICOM, is a standard of conformity used by the majority of imaging hardware (CT/CBCT) and software manufacturers for the proper handling, storing, printing, and transmitting of information in medical digital diagnostic imaging. It allows the three-dimensional imaging data obtained from different manufacturers to be used in third-party software for the visualization, surgical evaluation, and creation of CAD/CAM models and appliances. In addition, DICOM allows digital diagnostic imaging modalities to be integrated into a picture archiving and communication system (PACS). DICOM is essential in dentistry, periodontology, and endodontics as it allows a patient’s imaging data to be accurately obtained and processed in the creation of a dental restoration or procedure. The images can be distributed to the various practitioners, laboratories, and manufacturers needed to create a fully functional prosthesis or implant with the assurance that all parties involved are receiving and working from the same imaging data.

The making of digital impressions involves the use of intraoral optical scanners to acquire tooth morphology, gingiva morphology, and occlusion in a digital format. Digital impressions are used for a variety of purposes including aiding in the diagnostic and treatment planning phase, fabricating a dental prosthesis, for orthodontic applications, or to fabricate surgical templates for dental implants or oral surgery procedures. Currently, the various chairside intraoral digital scanning devices are based on optical principles such as blue light-emitting diodes, blue laser technology, multiple single images that are stitched together, and continuous acquisition (streaming) of optical images. The optical scanners used in creating digital impressions depend upon a reflective surface and may require a contrasting medium or powder to acquire the surface representation of the tooth morphology. The use of technology to acquire a dental impression improves the speed and accuracy of the impression itself and can increase the comfort of the patient during the process.

Digital radiography is a form of X-ray imaging where digital X-ray sensors (digital image capture device) are used instead of traditional photographic film. Imaging is needed in dental applications to capture a patient’s dentition and oral anatomy prior to tooth repair procedures, implant placements, and oral surgeries. Since imaging is a common practice in dental offices, there are several advantages to using digital radiography rather than photographic methods. One of the greatest benefits is the reduction in the amount of radiation required to produce the needed image. Past radiography processes have exposed patients to higher levels of radiation to produce the same image that can now be created with less exposure. In addition, digital radiography is a more time efficient method as it doesn’t require the chemical processing needed in traditional imaging procedures. Finally, since the images themselves are captured digitally, it is faster and easier to digitally transfer and enhance the final images.