Are Digital X-Rays an Eco-Friendly Option?
By John Mecca | Published on March 3, 2011 | 0 Comments
As words like “natural” and “organic” enter the national lexicon, more and more people are becoming interested in the eco-friendly aspects of dentistry. As such, New Hartford cosmetic dentist Dr. John D. Mecca, D.D.S. PC is frequently asked by patients about the eco-friendliness of dental x-rays.
In just the past few years, dentists across the country have begun making the transition from traditional x-rays to digital x-rays. Although digital x-rays have been in existence for several years, Dr. Mecca began using them at his practice just last year. Since then, he has had an excellent response from patients. When a dentist begins using digital x-rays rather than traditional x-rays, he is making an investment for the sake of his patients.
Digital x-rays have many benefits over traditional x-rays, one of which is a reduction in the amount of radiation patients are exposed to. Along with this reduction in radiation comes a complete elimination of all hazardous developing solutions that dentists once used to develop traditional x-ray images.
Digital imaging allows dentists to develop their radiographic images instantly and without having to use any harsh developing chemicals that could be dangerous to the environment. Because of this, Dr. Mecca says, digital x-rays are a far more eco-friendly option than traditional x-ray films.
Of course, patients who don’t care about the environmental aspects of digital radiography are excited about these technological advancements for other reasons. According to Dr. Mecca, a cosmetic dentist in New Hartford, digital x-rays can take the same oral images as traditional x-rays with significantly less radiation. Radiation tends to be a hot button issue these days, and Dr. Mecca says that his patients are very happy with the fact that they can now get x-rays taken without subjecting themselves to excessive exposure.
People who are rushed for time tend to favor digital radiography as well, since a dentist who uses digital equipment can view and analyze the accompanying images in far less time than a dentist who does not use this equipment. Dr. Mecca can actually present the images themselves on large screens, rather than make patients wait for the x-rays to sit in the developing solution.
Finally, Dr. Mecca says, the sensor itself that patients must bite down on to have digital x-rays taken is much more comfortable than regular dental film, which lessens instances of gagging in patients. Dr. Mecca says that most people find that having x-rays taken with the digital equipment is a much more comfortable process than having the same images taken with traditional dental film.
Since implementing a digital radiography system at his office in New Hartford, Dr. Mecca has had a great response from patients. He says that the reduced environmental effects are one of many benefits that digital equipment offers both dentists and patients alike.
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