A Look At Digital X-Rays
X-ray imaging is one of the most important tools we have for helping us diagnose and recommend treatments. Thanks to modern technology, digital X-rays give us an even better look at the inside of your mouth while being safer for patients than traditional X-rays.
Benefits of Digital X-rays
Digital X-ray imaging has been used in dentistry since the 1990s and has many benefits over traditional X-rays, such as:
- Digital X-rays produce 80% less radiation than a traditional X-ray
- It takes time for traditional X-rays to develop, but with the digital method, we can view images right away, as well as zoom in and out on certain areas to help us get a closer look. We are also able to share these high-quality images with patients while they are in the chair so they can take part in the process.
- As traditional X-rays are developed using chemicals or film paper, there are costs as well as environmental concerns that go into storing and disposing of those materials. With digital X-rays, we can easily store images on a computer or drive and recall them as needed.
We perform two types of X-rays:
- Bitewing X-rays: Show one specific area of the mouth to detect tooth decay between teeth, jawbone anomalies, and gum disease.
- Panoramic X-ray: This modality shows the entire mouth. Teeth that are yet to emerge, the fully emerged ones, impacted teeth, and their positions, all in one image. We can also evaluate the development of wisdom teeth and diagnose abscesses.
Depending on your particular case, we may need to take X-rays once a year, every six months, or more often, depending on what treatment you are undergoing. They are an important tool in helping maintain your oral health and catching any problems at the beginning stages.
If you would like more information on the technology we use, please feel free to contact our office, and our team will be happy to assist you.
