Are Digital X-Rays Better For My Health Than Conventional Film?
By Family Dental | Published on October 14, 2010 | 0 Comments
As the world becomes increasingly digitalized, more and more patients are asking about the benefits of digital x-rays. When compared to traditional film x-rays, these new computer-generated versions are giving dentists an even clearer look into what is going on inside their patients’ mouths.
Although the dentists at Family Dental in San Mateo, California have been offering digital x-rays to their patients for years, they say that an increasing number of patients are asking about their x-ray options as a way to keep themselves safe from excessive radiation. By offering in-office digital x-rays to all of their patients, the dentists at Family Dental are able to provide a superior standard of care.
For a cosmetic dentist or orthodontist to achieve the best results possible with a patient, he needs to have a clear image showing what is going on inside that patient’s mouth. Digital x-rays allow dentists to do just that, providing a much clearer picture of what is going on underneath the surface than a conventional x-ray film. This allows for a better diagnosis, which is always the goal when treating patients with various oral conditions.
Another factor that plays a large role in the public’s interest in digital x-rays has to do with decreased radiation. Because digital x-rays are computer-generated images, the patients getting these x-rays can feel confident that their bodies are not being subjected to excess radiation like they would with conventional film x-rays. In fact, recent research has shown that digital x-rays require approximately 90% less radiation than the traditional x-rays that most people grew up with.
If comfort is a factor, which it often is when dealing with children and adults who have a fear of the dentist, then digital x-rays present a distinct advantage in that regard as well. Getting a good-quality x-ray using the digital method is easier and more comfortable for the patient, since the digital system does not require patients to stand still with uncomfortable appliances inside their mouths for longer periods of time. Instead, patients can relax knowing that their hygienists will be able to gather clear images of what’s going on inside their mouths with just a few small electronic sensors. These sensors will transmit a picture of the tooth onto a video monitor inside the treatment room almost instantly, which significantly speeds up the process for patients.
Having digital x-rays can also speed up the time it takes to get an appointment with a specialized dentist at a neighboring practice, since a dentist can e-mail a patient’s x-rays to another specialist instantly, thereby cutting down on the time it takes for one profssional to get a patient’s medical records from another.
Finally, digital x-rays have also become known as an environmentally friendly alternative to conventional x-rays, since those older silver-oxide films had to be developed in environmentally dangerous chemical solutions.
Whether a patient’s main concern is cost, comfort, speed, or eco-friendliness, having the technology to take digital x-rays is a feature that patients visiting the dentist for both cosmetic and general oral health concerns really seem to appreciate.
*Disclaimer: The information on this website is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your healthcare provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate healthcare provider.