Digital radiographs (x-rays) serve as a vital diagnostic tool for dental practitioners. While conventional film radiographs offer valuable information about the patient's oral and physical health, advanced digital radiographs enable dentists to view and enhance dental images on a large computer screen.
Digital radiographs also provide the convenience of easy copying or printing, facilitating effective comparison between new and previous images to assess the impact of treatments on dental conditions. When referring patients to specialists, digital radiographs can be seamlessly transmitted via computer, eliminating the need for duplicate x-rays in most cases.
Why Use Digital Radiographs?
Utilizing digital radiographs offers significant benefits, including a reduction in radiation exposure. Moreover, the use of digital technology eliminates the need for film and chemicals, resulting in a more environmentally friendly procedure.
The larger computer screen used for displaying digital radiographs enhances the clarity of the images, enabling dentists to identify problems or irregularities with greater precision. This heightened clarity significantly increases the potential for early detection of decay, periodontal problems, and other conditions, ultimately minimizing the development of complicated issues.
Digital radiographs excel in exposing various conditions, including:
How Are Digital Radiographs Taken?
The process of capturing digital radiographs is similar to traditional-style radiographs, with the difference being the use of a small electronic sensor instead of film bitewings to capture intraoral images.
A complete set of digital x-rays typically includes eighteen different views of the teeth and underlying jawbone. The two main types of views used by dentists are periapical and bitewing. The periapical view allows inspection of the root tips for signs of decay, disease, or damage, while the bitewing view provides a close examination and measurement of the upper and lower jawbones (mandible and maxilla).
Once exposed, the digital image is either wirelessly transferred to a computer or scanned with a specialized reader after removing the sensor from the mouth. Unlike traditional film processing, which can take several minutes, a digital image appears within seconds. The digital image can then be adjusted for contrast, color, and brightness to enhance clarity and produce a much clearer result.
If you have any questions or concerns about undergoing a digital radiograph, please don't hesitate to contact your dentist.