Sir, obtaining an intra-oral periapical radiograph (IOPA) is a routine procedure in general dentistry. Today most dental practitioners use radiovisiography (RVG) sensors for this. During use, radiographic equipment can become contaminated with patient blood and/or saliva if aseptic techniques are not practised well. RVG sensors are covered by plastic sleeves for the purpose of cross infection control (Fig. 1a). It has been observed that the corner of the plastic sleeve covering the RVG sensors generally hurts patients, especially while taking mandibular posterior region radiographs. These plastic sleeves are loose and difficult to hold in place, especially in geriatric and paediatric patients. To overcome this problem we have tried an innovative method of using the finger of a glove to cover the RVG sensor, which fits snugly on the RVG sensor and is not painful since the glove doesn't have sharp corners (Fig. 2). In our practice we have found use of the glove covering the RVG sensor very satisfactory. Also use of the glove is economical when compared to plastic sleeves.

Figure 1
figure 1

a) RVG sensor covered with plastic sleeve; b) RVG sensor covered with the finger of a glove

Figure 2
figure 2

RVG sensor covered with the glove placed inside the patient's mouth