When will excellent radiographic images be available to the general dental office?

Dental radiography is a highly regarded diagnostic practice. More than 25% of all radiographs are taken for dental purposes, so their improvement will benefit many patients. Although recent advances in materials and processing have contributed to incremental improvements in film-based diagnoses, computer-based enhancement of digitized conventional radiographic images is likely to yield more significant benefits. However, until cost-effective digitizing systems have been developed for the general dental office, the benefits derived from precise radiographic diagnoses and associated improvements in the standards of care will continue to elude both dentist and public.