When you go in for check-ups at a dentist's office, you may periodically have x-rays taken. X-rays are vital to see early signs of decay, possible abscesses, impacted teeth, etc. In the past, many offices used traditional x-rays, where the processing was like photographs. Now, many offices use digital radiology technology. Besides being newer in the technology department, you may be wondering why digital x-rays are used more often.
They Are Safer
When you get an x-ray, you are briefly exposed to levels of radiation. These levels are quite minimal. Plus, you'll be situated with a lead apron, which will protect you from any secondary or scatter radiation. When dental offices switch over from traditional to digital technology, radiation levels can be reduced by as much as 90%!
Because the images are archived on the computer, they can also be transferred easily between dental offices and other specialists. This means that you won't have to take duplicate copies—thus exposing yourself to more radiologists—if you need a second opinion.
They Are Easier to Use
In the past, x-rays used to be developed in process solutions—similar to a photography studio's dark room. There were many issues that could happen between the time the x-rays were taken to the processing area to the time they were completely dried.
For instance, dental assistants could accidentally splash the film, which could cause water spots. Roller marks from the film processing unit could stain the film; even fingerprints could stain the image. Even if the x-rays were taken care of by the assistant, processing units could cause mistakes. For example, some films could experience reticulation—a cross-hatch-looking effect that is caused by temperature changes in darkroom chemicals.
In short, because digital x-rays are easier to process through the computer, you won't likely have to have retakes or repeat appointments.
They Are Greener
Traditional x-rays require concentrations of silver, lead, and other processing chemicals that are dangerous. These chemicals cannot be sterilized, so they have to be thrown out with other hazardous waste. With a digital x-ray unit, none of these hazardous chemicals are required. And, many digital x-ray sensors can be sterilized and reused. Plus, a computer can hold all of a dentist's patients, in the past, traditional film was wasteful since it would need to be printed in order to be stored.
These are just a few of the benefits of digital radiology. To learn more about the benefits of digital x-rays, contact a dental office like Centre Family Dentistry today.
Share8 October 2018
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