While your dentist will visually inspect your teeth and gums, there’s no better way to get a more comprehensive view of your mouth than with an X-ray – and there’s no better technology for the best possible view than a digital X-ray.
Digital imaging technology has been incorporated into medical practice for over 30 years and is becoming commonly used in dental offices. Practices that have upgraded to use digital X-rays, and patients that visit these practices, are enjoying the many benefits it offers.
Image Quality
Digital X-rays offer the best image quality and provide greater insight into oral health problems at their earliest stages. With clear, sharp, and detailed pictures of teeth and gums, dentists can now identify cavities, oral infections, gum disease, and some types of tumors earlier and more accurately. This kind of early detection ensures patients receive the treatment they need before problems have a chance to develop further.
Faster X-Rays
The time needed for X-rays is reduced because they are scanned into a computer to develop. Unlike the 10-15 minutes of an appointment it can take to capture and develop film X-rays, dentists can view images from digital X-rays in just seconds.
Easily Shared
For patients that are referred to a specialist or are moving home and looking for a new dentist, digital X-rays of patients’ records can be easily transferred. Because the dental records are electronic, patient X-ray files can easily be shared with other specialists or between dental assistants in the same practice. Emailing a patient’s X-ray file enables immediate review and provides fast and improved service.
Reduced Radiation
While much care is taken to minimize radiation exposure from traditional film X-rays, digital X-rays reduce the potential for exposure even further. With improved speed and efficiency plus less radiation than film X-rays, digital imaging can reduce radiation exposure levels by up to 85%. In addition to minimized exposure, digital X-Rays are more environmentally friendly as no chemicals are used, no film is required, and no additional film storage is needed.
As a best-in-class diagnostic tool to detect damage or disease, digital X-rays are the greatest option for patients. While patients don’t need an X-ray at every check up, when it is required digital imagining provides fast and precise detection of even the slightest traces of oral health problems so they can be treated sooner.
