Let’s face it – we live in a digital world. So it’s not too surprising that x-rays have also gone digital. In fact, digital radiography is now commonly used in dental offices throughout the US. As it turns out, there are plenty of good reasons why this is true, since digital x-rays offer many advantages over film. Here are some of the many benefits provided by this recent advancement in dental technology.
- Digital x-rays provide images that are much clearer and can be enlarged and enhanced to provide an even more detailed view for the dentist. This means that small imperfections in a tooth – such as tiny cracks or small areas of decay – can be more easily detected and remedied early on.
- Patients are exposed to less radiation. Many people are concerned about radiation exposure and for good reason. Digital x-rays reduce that exposure by 75% or even more.
- Digital x-rays are stored in the dentist’s computer system. This makes it much more convenient not only for the dentist’s office staff; it also makes it easier and faster for the dentist to access a patient’s past x-rays and make necessary comparisons. It’s also a safer, more secure method of storing a patient’s records.
- There’s no waiting time. Film x-rays required a certain amount of time to develop, as opposed to digital x-rays, which are viewable immediately.
- Digital x-rays are easier to share with other dental professionals. If your dentist needs to send your x-rays to an oral surgeon, orthodontist, or other medical professional, the process is quick and easy. This makes it easier for your dentist to collaborate with other dental professionals, and that means better care for you.
- Digital equipment is easier for dentists and their staff. You know how much easier it is to take a digital photograph, download it onto your computer, or create a hard copy on your own printer – rather than the old method using film, where it was necessary to have the film developed before you could actually get prints. The same holds true for digital x-rays. The radiography equipment is easy for your dentist and his or her staff to learn, as well as being faster and less expensive to run.
Digital x-rays are just one example of the many advancements that have been made in dental technology over the past few years. Like so many other cutting-edge technologies, digital x-rays help your dentist to provide you and other patients with the best care possible.