World's fastest PSP dental imaging system launched

Soredex, the first company to release a phosphor sensitive plate (PSP) dental intraoral imaging system a decade ago, has raised the bar by releasing the fastest processing system on the market to date.

The new Digora Optime - Digital Intraoral Imaging Plate System - will process an intraoral PSP x-ray plate in between 4.3 and 7.5 seconds, depending on the plate size (equivalent to film sizes 0, 1, 2 or 3 are available). The unit is also tiny, measuring just 191 mm x 221 mm x 394 mm and weighing only 7kgs.

"PSP systems have grown in popularity of late as the plates mimic the flexibility and positionability of film in the mouth and are cordless," said Mr Kari Helle, managing director of Hefco Pty Ltd, the local agents for Soredex intraoral x-ray products. "The minor drawback with these systems, however, was the time required before the image was available on the computer screen. It is this issue that Soredex has resolutely addressed with the Digora Optime."

After the plate has been exposed in the patient's mouth, it is inserted into the Digora Optime which automatically identifies the size of the imaging plate inserted, with no need for separate adapters or holders. "You simply press the read button and the unit takes care of the rest."

The unit also has a built-in erasing system, negating the need for a separate erasure accessory - and ensuring the plates are ready for immediate reuse. After the plate is read, it is automatically ejected from the system ready to be used again.

An AutoOptimization function adjusts the brightness and contrast of the image before displaying it on a computer screen. The new Digora for Windows 2.5 software supplied with the system provides a range of tools to assist with diagnosis and image management.

"The process is fast and fully automatic," Mr Helle said, "and offers all the advantages of digital imaging with none of the drawbacks. Soredex have literally addressed every aspect of digital dental intraoral radiography with this system.

"The new thin, cordless Digora Imaging Plates are as easy to position and as comfortable as conventional film. They are flexible enough to position while rigid enough to minimize distortion and can be used with virtually any film holder."

With the Digora Optime System and DIGORA for Windows 2.5 network software, it is possible for a single unit to be shared by many dentists in the same practice. It is also possible to have a Digora Optime in each surgery and store all the images and data in a common database. Digora for Windows 2.5 with optional DICOM supplements is fully compatible with the DICOM 3.0 standard.