Rise of the (digital dental X-ray) machines

Ready to master that digital dental X-ray system? Mary Berg, RVT, VTS (dentistry), offers some quick tips to keep that sensor safe-and to protect your own person as well.

Protecting the sensor

It's the most important part of the machine, and it's sensitive. Watch against dropping or stepping on the sensor, and make sure the pet doesn't bite through it. This means you make sure the sensor doesn't go into a patient's mouth who is not at a surgical stage of anesthesia. This will help avoid any type of trauma to the sensor.

The regular approach: To protect the sensor in the mouth, most companies will provide a sleeve you can place over the sensor to protect it from any water. They're made from a material similar to a Ziploc bag, so they may be slippery and not stay in the mouth well. Some practices place Vet Wrap around the sensor, but this isn't waterproof and may add bulk to an already fairly thick sensor.

The hack: Place the plastic sleeve provided by the company around the sensor. Take a Nitrile glove and cut a finger off the glove. Then stretch it over the top of the sensor. This adds extra protection and a little bit of grip to the sensor so it stays in the mouth, where you want to keep it. (Watch the video for a demonstration.)

Protecting yourself

Dental X-ray machines do emit radiation, so for starters, make sure you're not directly in the line of fire when you take an X-ray.

Standing 6 feet away from the machine is a good starting guideline for safety. To increase safety-especially if you're pregnant-you may wear a gown or use lead shields to place beside the patient. Remember, you can't see X-rays, but they can still hurt you.