Digital Dental X-Rays
Providing Affordable Dental X-Rays in Buffalo, NY
Digital dental X-rays, also known as digital radiography, are a recent development in dental X-ray imaging. Unlike the longer-established methods of capturing and printing X-ray photographs, digital radiography, true to its name, uses digital technology to quickly and effectively take X-rays and access the scan results.
In addition to the speed and quality of digital radiography, other benefits include a significant reduction (up to 90%) in radiation exposure and the option to enlarge the image for better viewing. Dentists can also avoid using chemicals to develop X-ray film when digital radiography is used.
Because X-rays are a form of radiation, patients may be hesitant to have X-ray scans taken of their mouths. However, dental radiography is an asset to dentists.
Even the most thorough of examinations of a patient’s mouth can prevent a dentist from detecting key issues. While stains, plaque, and most cavities may be readily visible, complications from periodontitis and tooth decay often occur far below the gum line, and X-rays are the least invasive way to inspect these harder-to-reach areas.
X-ray images are taken when an X-ray generator beams X-rays through a solid object. An image plate or a similar device behind the object detects and collects X-rays, producing a photograph that a doctor or radiologist can examine to identify abnormalities.
Dental X-ray images are taken in essentially the same manner, and though X-rays do produce a small amount of radiation, the amount produced by a common dental X-ray scan is not dangerous; it contains half as much radiation as the average person absorbs from natural sources every 24 hours.
To put it another way, a dental X-ray scan can expose a patient to the same amount of radiation as eating 50 bananas—hardly a lethal or even threatening dosage. When not taken in excess, dental X-ray imaging is both perfectly safe and invaluable to your dentist in screenings for cavities and related damage to teeth and gums.
In digital radiography, X-rays are detected by digital X-ray sensors. This substitution for the film used in more traditional X-ray photography allows far fewer X-rays to be used to generate an image, which is available immediately after the scan on the computer linked to the digital sensor.
Because the images are stored digitally, there is no need to wait for film to develop, or make copy after copy for patients’ files and follow-up visits. Instead, a few clicks of a mouse can instantly send the digital X-ray photographs throughout the dentist’s office, to an independent specialist, and to insurance companies.
Digital dental X-rays are a faster, safer, more environmentally friendly, and cost-effective alternative to the conventional film-based procedure. The clarity and manipulability of the images enable dentists to more easily and quickly detect dental problems without the need to request additional images.
Because patients can see the images at the same time their dentists can, both parties may be involved in the diagnosis and treatment processes.
We offer several advanced imaging options, including digital dental x-rays, designed to save you time and money when diagnosing dental problems and creating precise treatment plans. Contact our office today to schedule an appointment.