Size 1 Sensors Still Important For Optimal Radiology

Objective

Not all radiographic views are the same. A size-2 sensor is specifically designed for a bitewing or posterior periapical view. But where the dental arch narrows in the anterior region, a size-2 or size-1½ sensor may be too large. So a narrower size 1 sensor is often needed to allow for proper geometry, to ease placement lingual to anteriors, and to properly break contacts.

Not all dental cases are the same. A size-2 sensor has the optimal imaging area for posterior teeth. But the size of a patient’s mouth may vary. The patient’s arch form may be narrow. TMD issues may limit a patient’s ability to open. Tori might limit positioning options. Or the patient may simply be a gagger. In these cases, a size-2 sensor may simply be too large.

Therefore, a size-1 sensor is often needed both for children and adults for optimal patient comfort and proper imaging geometry.

Design

XDR designed its size-1 sensor to meet these needs.

The decreased width of XDR’s size-1 sensor (close to the width of some manufacturer’s size-0 sensor), allows for easier placement lingual to the anteriors, and therefore allows the sensor to conform to the arch form. The sensor is nevertheless able to capture multiple anterior teeth, a couple premolars and the canine, or a full molar and a half – all from cusp to apex, making any radiograph achievable for even the toughest patients.
The length of the XDR’s size-1 sensor, sized to the average anterior teeth, allows it to be comfortably placed for the maxillary anterior periapical view, showing the periapical anatomy, root apex, and incisal edges of the teeth.
When a patient has a small mouth, narrow arch, large tori, limited opening, or a hyperactive gag reflex, the smaller size of the size-1 sensor makes it easier to place, and allows it to be positioned vertically, while still capturing from cusp to apex.

Results

In practices where both the size-2 and the size-1 have been used for anterior radiographs, clinicians and patients generally agree that the size-1 can better capture anterior radiographs while providing more comfort.

Figure 1 - Size-1 sensor properly placed lingual to anteriors — Figure 1 – Size 1 sensor properly placed lingual to Anteriors

Figure 2 - Size 2 and Size 1 sensor dimensions — Figure 2 – Size 2 and Size 1 sensor dimensions

Figure 3 - Size 2 and Size 1 film — Figure 3 – Film and Sensor Sizes

Conclusion

Though some believe that a size-2 is suitable for all situations (perhaps due to experience with film’s flexibility), dental schools have long taught otherwise. And experience shows that a size-1 sensor will result in better anterior radiographs, make a patient’s experience more comfortable, and is, in certain situations, the only way to get the most diagnostic radiographic view.