What is Digital Radiography or Digital X-rays?

One of the greatest advances in dentistry has been digital radiography or digital X-rays. Digital radiography is a type of X-ray imaging, in which digital X-ray sensors are used rather than usual photographic film. Digital radiography utilizes computerized equipment and software to capture x-ray images of your mouth and teeth. At St James Dental Group in Cudahy CA, we are proud to say that we use digital radiography for our patients. We use Dexis Digital Radiography which is rated the best in the market.

Although dental X-rays have always been quite safe in terms of radiation (very low radiation), digital x-rays is even safer. The radiation with digital X-rays is reduced by up to 90%, compared to traditional film X-rays. It also reduces the patient’s wait time as these images show up on the computer right away rather than waiting for the film X-rays to be processed and developed.

Digital radiography is also a lot more accurate that regular film X-rays and they are more detail oriented. Unlike film, digital X-ray images can be enhanced to assist in making a precise diagnosis. Images can be magnified, sharpened, colorized, or displayed as a negative. This allows us to see small dental cavities easier.

Benefits of digital X-rays

• Up to 90% less radiation
• No wait time; immediate visual results
• More accurate; enhanced diagnostic features
• Safer for the environment; no use of chemicals
• Can be e-mailed to a dental specialist for immediate review

Why Use X-rays

Dental radiographs are invaluable aids in diagnosing, treating, and maintaining dental health. Usually a full set of X-rays are necessary initially. Then follow-up X-rays are taken every 6 months. Dental radiographs are important for many reasons:

• Detect dental cavities early not seen visually
• Detect bone loss due to gum disease
• Detect abscesses/infections
• Detect cysts or tumors
• Examine roots or nerves of teeth
• Detect trauma to the teeth and surrounding bone
• Determine any problems with existing fillings, crowns, bridges, and root canals
• Examine bone level for placement of implants
• Reveal impacted teeth

As you can see dental radiographs a huge necessity in aiding your dentist diagnose and treat any condition. Some patients may be hesitant about taking X-rays due to radiation exposure, but as explained above, we use digital radiography in our dental office which reduced the already low dose of dental X-rays by up to 90%. We also use the lead apron for your protection. So rest assured that you are fully protected and your safety is very important to us.

By: Ladan Zinati