17 Nov 2017 Benefits of Digital X-rays
Have you been to the dentist this year for a check-up? You may or may not have paid too much attention to it, but your dental assistant probably took X-rays. X-rays have been around since 1895 and really help dentists make accurate diagnoses. For many years, dentists have taken X-rays on film and developed the film. Film X-rays have given dentists a sharp, clear image. Today, digital X-rays are becoming more popular and more widely used. Digital X-rays offer several benefits to dental patients over film X-rays.
Below are some benefits of digital X-rays that you may not have realized:
1. Digital X-rays expose patients and staff to 70-90% less radiation than film X-rays.
This is a great benefit, since doctors advise us to limit our exposure to radiation however we can. Many dentists have patients wear a lead apron to limit the exposure on their bodies but the apron doesn’t cover the head or neck. Less radiation means less risk.
2. They can be viewed on a computer monitor seconds after being taken.
For patients and dentists alike, it is nice not to have to wait for images to be developed. Dentists no longer have to use and store the films and the harsh chemicals used to develop the films, which makes digital images more environmentally friendly.
3. They can be enhanced and enlarged to better diagnose tooth problems.
The grey scale of digital X-rays includes 256 shades of grey versus 16-25 shades in film X-rays. Dentists can change the brightness and contrast. Dentists can also enlarge or zoom in on a particular area. With digital X-rays, dentists can diagnose smaller problems or areas harder to see on a film X-ray. Digital X-rays are often displayed on a computer screen, them much larger than a film X-ray. Being able to clearly see dental problems helps patients to “see” why a dentist is proposing a certain treatment plan and to even be more likely to accept it.
4. They can easily be emailed to other dentists, doctors, or orthodontics.
Digital X-rays are easily shared with any healthcare provider that would need to see them. This benefits patients by increasing their quality of care. Healthcare providers can collaborate on care quickly and easily. It also limits radiation exposure when patients don’t have to repeat X-rays with different
dentists or doctors.
5. Images can be easily stored.
If you go to a dentist who takes digital X-rays, the images can be stored in your patient file. You could easily get a copy of the file if you needed it. Your dentist could pull the images of your mouth taken over time and put them on the same screen for comparison purposes. Based on multiple images, your dentist would be able to determine the rate that decay or other problems were progressing. Having this information would help your dentist make good decisions about your dental care.
Holladay Family Dental uses digital imaging because we want you to have the best care possible. Schedule an appointment with us today and find out what a difference digital imaging can make! Call (801) 272-8051.