High resolution imaging system for digital dentistry

An intraoral dental x-ray radiographic imaging system, comprising:

• an x-ray source configured for generating x-rays for exposure of such x-rays to an object to be imaged;
• an x-ray intraoral imaging sensor comprising a nanoparticle storage phosphor ceramic plate detector defining an active area responsive to x-rays and said ceramic plate is glass and transparent,
• wherein said nanoparticle storage phosphor ceramic plate detector comprises storage phosphor nanoparticles that emit fluorescence light when discharged by a fine optical beam,
• wherein said nanoparticle storage phosphor ceramic plate detector is configured flat with rigid support plate in order to reduce both patient radiation exposure and extend the lifetime of the nanoparticle storage ceramic plate detector,
• wherein said nanoparticle storage phosphor ceramic plate detector is configured with a thickness up to a maximum of 3 mm or less and is to be placed within a patient's mouth;
• a protective frame enclosing the x-ray intraoral imaging sensor,
• wherein said protective frame comprises a rigid frame with a removable x-ray transparent front cover in order to extend the lifetime and enable scanning of the nanoparticle storage phosphor ceramic plate detector in said x-ray intraoral imaging sensor,
• wherein the shape and dimensions of the protective frame are configured to the shape of the x-ray intraoral imaging sensor and the x-ray intraoral imaging sensor can be fixed to or detachably connected to the rigid frame;
• a scanner device for reading out the x-ray intraoral imaging sensor,
• wherein the scanner device comprise light collection efficiency independent of pixel size that raster scans with a fine optical beam, pixel by pixel, the front surface area of the exposed nanoparticle storage phosphor ceramic plate detector and, pixel by pixel, optically directs the entire emitted fluorescence from the front surface area of the exposed nanoparticle storage phosphor ceramic plate detector to a photodetector device for digital readout.