Dental technology has advanced over the years to deliver patients with care that is comfortable, painless, and less time-consuming. Previously, while old traditional X-ray techniques were being used, there were many issues related to waiting time, preparation time (wait time for the film to be developed), environmental concerns, and so on. Digital radiography has therefore truly revolutionized the technique of dental X-rays and also the practice of professional dentists.
How does digital radiography work?
The process of digital radiography is quite similar to that of traditional dental X-rays. In digital radiography, a sensor is inserted into your mouth which aids in capturing the images of your teeth. Here lies the difference between old-school X-rays and digital X-rays. Although it looks like the film used for traditional X-rays, the digital sensor is an electronic device connected to a computer. The device captures the images and then projects them on a screen instantly for both you and your dentist to view.
Digital X-rays have a lot of virtues to harp upon. Some of them have been listed in this article. Next time you walk in for a dental X-ray, you need not panic about its consequences as these are completely safe and without health hazards.
7 remarkable benefits of Digital dental X-Rays
- Lesser Radiation– Digital X-rays are known to use 90% less radiation than traditional X-rays
- Easier Dental Appointments– No amount of preparation time is needed.
- Much Higher Quality Images– The images can be blown up to any size for your dentist to accurately look for issues, if any.
- Transferring Dental Records immediately– Since in the digitized form, therefore, they can be instantly sent to any other specialty office for further reference, within seconds.
- Environmental Friendly– Digital radiography does not have to use any chemicals for developing the film.
- The complete picture is available– This feature typically ensures that you obtain the best diagnosis possible.
- Immediate Viewing– Digital radiography allows real-time viewing of your oral cavity. With much lesser radiation exposure, this is a unique advantage.
In short, film X-rays were invented as early as 1895 which is over 125 years ago. Technology has come a very long way since that era and film x-rays are now quite an antique practice.
Although film X-ray technology costs less than digital X-ray technology, yet, long-term exposure to film X-rays can be harmful. It affects the patient’s overall dental health due to the increased amounts of radiation that are needed to expose these types of films. Most modern dental offices have by now switched over to this digitized form as it ensures –
- A more than 70% less radiation
- Lesser discomfort
- Detecting problems sooner
- Lesser time in the chair
The qualities of service, shorter time consumed, and better access to the information concerned with their dental health, are some of the factors that matter a lot to patients!