Dental technology has improved the way dentists practice
their craft. Thanks to science, modern techniques allow patients to receive
dental treatment without the pain and time associated with old-fashioned
dentistry. Dental technology is even being developed to make dental X-rays
safer and more convenient.
While dental X-rays emit low amounts of radiation and every
precaution is taken to protect patients from exposure (AERB Approved X Rays),
some dental patients may still put off dental X-rays for safety reasons. Dental
X-rays bring up other issues for patients, including the wait time for film to
be developed and environmental concerns. Dentists are addressing these issues
with DIGITALRADIOGRAPHY, a high-tech
replacement for traditional dental X-rays.
THE PROCESS BEHIND:
The physical process for digital radiography is actually
similar to traditional dental X-rays that use film: With digital radiography, the
dentist inserts a sensor into patient’s mouth to capture images of the teeth --
but that's where the similarities
between conventional and digital dental X-rays end. Although it resembles
the film used for bitewings and other X-rays, the digital sensor is electronic
and connected to a computer. Once the X-ray is taken, the image is projected on
a screen for the dentist to view.
There
are several benefits to using digital radiography over traditional film X-rays:
Less Radiation -- The equipment used in digital
radiography exposes dental patients to much less radiation. In fact, digital
X-rays use up to 90 percent less
radiation than film X-rays. While conventional dental X-rays are relatively
safe, digital radiography is an
excellent option for those who take X-rays on a regular basis or for those who
are concerned about radiation.
Shorter Dental
Appointments -- Digital radiography can also shorten patient’s
dental appointment! With traditional dental X-rays, patient'll have to wait while the dentist develops the film. With
digital radiography, the sensor develops the picture almost instantly and
projects it onto a computer screen right before the patient.
Higher Quality Images
-- The standard size of traditional X-rays can make viewing difficult, but
digital radiography has done away with the
"one size fits all" mentality. Once on the screen, digital X-rays
can be enlarged or magnified for a better visual of the tooth's structure.
Brightness, contrast and color can also be adjusted, allowing the dentist to
see small cavities easier. If patient needs a hard copy of X-ray, digital
images can also be printed out.
Transferring Dental
Records -- Digital images can be e-mailed to a dental specialist for immediate review. Digital
X-rays are taking away the expense and time needed to copy files and mail them
to another dentist, making it easier to transfer dental records or get a second
opinion. As more offices are turning to electronic patient charts, computers
may eliminate the need to mail dental records altogether.
Environmentally
Friendly -- Digital dental X-rays are better for the environment!
With digital radiography, no chemicals
are used to develop film. There's also no
wasted space of a darkroom and no
need to store film, which can pile up in a dentist's files.
The Complete
Picture
While digital radiography is helping many dentists diagnose the
dental problems, additional software programs are making their lives even
easier! One such feature is called
Simulation… i.e. Crown Simulation, Bleaching/Whitening Simulation & Implant
Simulation; Wherein Dentists can educate the patient before carrying out
the treatment, Also another Software Feature called as the Split Window Function, wherein dentists compare current images to
previous images of the same tooth, helping them find even the smallest
changes in your tooth's structure.
IMPLANT SIMULATION
Digital radiography is
slowly gaining steam in the professional dental community. With the expense of
digital radiography equipment, digital X-rays are an investment that the
majority of our dental practices have yet to make.
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