In April of 2008, the American Association of Equine Practitioners launched a campaign to promote giving horses thorough oral examinations at least once a year. Since then, steady progress has been made and currently more horses are receiving appropriate dental care on a regular basis.
Heightened awareness means horse owners are becoming more concerned about the practice of equine dentistry, and many seek veterinarians who specialize in dentistry and use the latest research and oral health care technologies.
The use of digital radiography, a form of X-ray imaging, where digital X-ray sensors are used instead of traditional photographic film is becoming more and more popular.
It has been known for some time that radiographs are valuable aids in the diagnosis and management of equine dental disease.
In the past, conventional film radiography usually involved the equine dentist making multiple trips to the farm for diagnosis and treatment. With film, the practitioner had to make a trip out, take the X-rays, take them to be developed, and then make a trip back to the farm with the images to discuss treatment with the horse owner.
Using digital imaging, the chemical processing is unnecessary and the practitioner has the ability to, not only take the radiographs, but can also digitally transfer and enhance images.
In addition, less radiation is necessary to produce an image of similar contrast to conventional radiography.
Digital Radiography (DR) or (DX) is essentially film less X-ray image capture. In place of X-ray film, a digital image capture device is used to record the X-ray image and make it available as a digital file that can be presented for interpretation and saved as part of the horse’s medical record.
The advantages of DR over film include immediate image preview and availability, a wider dynamic range which makes it more usable even in cases of over- and under-exposure, as well as the ability to apply special image processing techniques that enhance overall display of the image.
The use of digital radiography also reduces the costs associated with processing, managing and storing X-ray film
Portable digital equipment, either digital radiography (DR) or computed radiography (CR), allows the practitioner to take high-quality intra-oral and extra-oral radiographs and instantly process the images where the horse is, making it possible to diagnosis and treat dental problems on the farm with a single visit.
In addition, unlike film X-rays, images can be emailed or burned onto a CD, making availability easier and faster. The instant imagining is also very helpful in educating and showing horse owners what is happening with a horse's teeth and mouth.
The horse dental practitioner can explain any problems right after images are taken and can discuss treatments right then using the digital images to support the need for necessary treatments.