Reducing Radiation, Maximizing Results: The Benefits of Digital X-Rays

Reducing Radiation, Maximizing Results: The Benefits of Digital X-Rays
Julie Hollingsworth

X-rays have been an important aspect of disease diagnosis that aims to facilitate effective treatment options. With innovative advances in technology, x-rays have now been digitized.  They offer an impressive array of benefits that may help in accurate treatment planning.

San Jose CA dentist and their team offer several types of X-rays but the most preferred ones are digital X-rays! Let’s find out if they are worth the hype!

What is a digital x-ray?

Digital X-rays are a form of advanced imaging technology that uses digital sensors instead of traditional radiographic films to directly capture data during the patient examination. This data is then processed, converted, and transferred to a computer system.

Digital X-rays can reveal:

  • Tooth and root positions
  • Abnormal root morphology  
  • Problems inside a tooth or below the gumline
  • Amount of bone resorption
  • The presence of abscesses (pus-filled pockets), cysts (fluid-filled sacs), or tumors (abnormal growth of tissue mass) within the oral cavity
  • The presence of benign (non-cancerous) and malignant (cancerous) lesions
  • Interdental tooth decay
  • Developmental abnormalities of the teeth or jaws

These X-rays also aid in the evaluation of the success of root canal treatment, bone grafting, or dental implants.

What benefits do they offer?

Digital X-rays offer several benefits over traditional X-rays. 

  • Easy access and storage
    • You do not require processing films.
    • Images are directly transferred and stored in the hard drive.
    • Digital images are not subjected to degradation over time
    • The images are easily accessible and shared across different doctors. 
  • Cost-effective 
    • There is no need for traditional films and chemical solutions to develop and process them.
    • This saves your costs.
    • Additionally, there is no exposure to fumes or handling of chemical solutions.
  • Higher quality and faster image processing 
    • Digital X-rays offer more precision and accuracy in terms of quality and detailing.
    • The images can be viewed instantly on a computer monitor, and easily resized without distortion.
  • Minimal radiation exposure
    • Digital imaging leads to a drastic reduction of radiation and the need for bulky lead aprons. 
  • Environmentally friendly 
    • Digital X-rays eliminate the need for chemical processing and film storage, reducing waste and environmental impact. 
  • Enhanced communication
    • These X-rays can be easily shared and transmitted electronically between dental practices, and other specialists.

Takeaway 

Digital X-rays are safe diagnostic tools used only when deemed necessary to aid dentists in designing an appropriate treatment plan. These have successfully replaced traditional radiographic imaging saving a lot of time, effort, and of course money!