Why Choose Digital X-Rays?
May 1st, 2019What are Dental X-Rays, and Why Do I Need Them?
We use dental x-rays to take images of your teeth and the surrounding gums and bones. These images can be taken from the inside of your mouth (intraoral) or from the outside of your mouth (extraoral). Either type of x-ray may be necessary, depending on what the dentist is looking for. X-rays help us find cavities and impacted teeth, check on the health of the roots of your teeth, and find any problems with your jaws.
What is the Difference Between Film and Digital X-Rays?
With a digital x-ray, we use digital x-ray sensors instead of traditional film to take images of your teeth. Because digital film is a newer technology than traditional film, it has some great benefits when it comes to x-rays. In our practice, we use digital x-rays because the process is quicker than traditional radiography, uses less radiation, and provides higher-quality images.
How do Digital X-Rays Work?
In traditional x-rays, light-sensitive film is exposed to the x-ray. With digital x-rays, on the other hand, a digital-detector system is used in combination with the x-ray. Like a digital camera, a digital x-ray allows us to see and manipulate the images on a computer immediately after taking them. That way, we can see what’s going on with your teeth right away.
Why are Digital X-Rays a Good Alternative to Traditional X-Rays?
The picture quality in digital x-rays is very good. For example, we can enlarge images to see even a very small problem with a tooth. In addition, digital x-rays are more efficient than traditional x-rays. We can immediately send the images of your teeth to another provider for a consultation if necessary, and save the x-rays to your electronic patient file. There is no risk of the images getting lost.
Are Digital X-Rays Dangerous?
Although radiation is used in all x-rays, clinical x-rays are very safe. This is especially true of digital x-rays, which expose the patient to only about 10% of the radiation used in a traditional film x-ray. The digital-detector system, which captures x-rays and converts them to images, is an advanced and sensitive technology. For this reason, the radiation does not need to be as strong as it does for traditional film x-rays.
We are all exposed to a little radiation in our day-to-day lives, and dental x-rays make up a very small fraction of this exposure. As an added precaution, your Bridgeport dentist will provide you with a lead apron during imaging to make sure that your body is as safe from radiation as possible. The benefits of dental x-rays, in keeping your teeth and bones healthy, far outweigh the risks.