The Advantages of the New Digital X-rays

Dental X-rays are a critical component to your thorough Central Oregon dental examination. Until just recently, the only dental X-ray option was the traditional exposure of a film packet, which can take up to 10 minutes to develop. Now, thanks to modern technology, there’s a high-tech replacement for traditional dental X-rays: digital radiography.

Dental X-rays can reveal hidden tooth decay, expose a tooth abscess, display impacted (or extra teeth), or bring to light a tumor or cyst. Dental X-rays can determine the extent of any bone loss from periodontal gum disease and locate tarter buildup. The condition of dental fillings and root canals can also be assessed from digital radiography.

The technique for digital radiography is similar to what you are used to with traditional dental X-rays. Your Skyline Dental dentist inserts a digital sensor instrument in your mouth to capture images of your teeth. Although the procedure echoes the film used for bitewings, the digital sensor is actually electronic and connected to a computer. However, instead of the dentist waiting for traditional X-ray processing, with digital X-rays, the dentist can view the image immediately.

Digital X-rays offers a number of advantages over traditional dental X-rays:

• Considerably Less radiation
• Shortened dental appointments
• Images can be viewed instantly
• Images can be enhanced to improve diagnostics
• Environmentally friendly
• Less developing chemicals used than in traditional X-ray processing
• Electronic storing of images
• Simplified dental records transferring
• Higher quality images

Digital X-rays are one important tool in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of dental problems. Through the combination of a visual examination and digital X-rays, the dentist can best treat his patients.