dental-imaging dental imaging

Dental imaging

Dental is one of the largest markets for X-ray imaging, and Hamamatsu has the widest range of dental X-ray sensor options available today. You can learn about dental applications and our product offerings by exploring the pages and links below.

First dental radiograph (1896)

 

*Dr. Otto Walkhoff, German dentist, and the first dental radiograph, an image of his own teeth (1896). Photo courtesy of Medcrave.

Before the dawn of the 20th century, on December 22, 1895, William C. Roentgen discovered X-rays and took the first X-ray image ever, an image of his wife’s hand. However, within just two weeks, Otto Walkhoff, a German dentist, captured the first radiograph of his own teeth. Walkhoff generated the first intraoral radiograph, after a 25-minute exposure. In his account, he reported: “It was a real torture but I felt tremendously happy when I saw the results, and weighed the importance of Roentgen’s discovery on the future of dentistry.”

 

Since then, dental radiography has become the standard of care for diagnosing disease and other health issues associated with teeth and the mouth in general.

 

Dental X-ray imaging technique has evolved over the years and is currently defined as standard radiography, panoramic imaging or cephalometric imaging. Standard radiography started with film, but in recent years more advanced imaging techniques have been developed: first with computed radiography (CR) systems and, more recently, with digital radiography (DR) sensors.

 

Furthermore, two specialized applications of dental radiography have emerged. Panoramic imaging, though not considered diagnostic quality, allows the dentist to observe all of the patient’s teeth in one large frontal-view image to do a quick screening. Cephalometric imaging is another radiographic technique; however, these images are taken from the side of a patient’s head and used mostly by orthodontists during treatment planning.

 

In addition, 3-dimensional imaging of teeth has been achieved by adapting cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) technology for dental use. CBCT systems offer dentists greater clarity and detail of latent dental health issues, as well as providing a valuable tool for planning implant and other dental surgeries.

Image sensors for dental X-ray imaging

Overall, Hamamatsu has the widest and most advanced selection of image sensors for dental X-ray imaging available today. We work closely with engineers and entrepreneurs to adopt our products and deliver the most advanced digital dental X-ray imaging systems available today. You can learn more about each imaging technique below and see how Hamamatsu’s line of advanced, ultra-reliable sensors can improve the quality and performance of your dental X-ray imaging system. 

Hamamatsu is the only company in the world providing digital sensors for every X-ray dental imaging modality

Hamamatsu has data sheets on all products listed on these pages. We also offer this convenient selection guide of dental X-ray sensors. If you are considering to design a new OEM dental X-ray imaging system, please email us or contact your local Hamamatsu office to request a copy.

A product overview/catalog is also available by customer request. Please contact your nearest Hamamatsu sales office for more details.

Disclaimer: The products are intended exclusively for sale to manufacturers, for further processing and for incorporation into their products. The provided information is intended for discussion, development and design. Due to the suitability of the products for medical applications, a technical and regulatory review of the purchaser by Hamamatsu is required prior to sale. The promoted products are neither finished devices nor medical devices or ready for use and are not intended for distribution to distributors, dentists or medical practitioners.

Intraoral computed radiography (CR)

Intraoral computed radiography (CR)

Considered to be a bridge between classical radiography and increasingly popular fully digital methods, computed radiography offers the comfort of X-ray film with the benefit of high quality digitized X-ray images.

Intraoral digital radiography (DR)

Intraoral digital radiography

Digital radiography offers high quality imaging with the convenience of a simple-to-use, compact X-ray sensor.

panoramic and cephalometric imaging

Panoramic and cephalometric imaging

Panoramic and cephalometric imaging offer the convenience of seeing the entire mouth in one digital X-ray image from different perspectives. Panoramic imaging provides a frontal view while cephalometric imaging provides a profile view of the mouth and teeth.

cone beam computed tomography (CBCT)

Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT)

Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) is a modern imaging technique adopted by the dental industry, providing doctors and dentists with advanced diagnostic and surgical planning tools.

Research and development

In order to contribute to a healthy society, we apply a wide range of photonics technologies into healthcare and medicine.  Our Central Research Laboratory continually researches and develops the best components for PET, near-infrared spectroscopy and imaging, sports measurements, and biomedical research.  This work will continue to expand the new possibilities of light into the future.  Learn more about initiatives from our Central Research Laboratory.

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