DIGITAL X-RAYS

What are the benefits of digital X-rays?

Digital X-rays are safer than traditional X-rays

All dental X-ray examinations (both digital and traditional) involve very low doses of radiation, which makes the risk of harmful effects extremely small. The areas exposed to X-ray beams are kept as small as possible, and lead aprons are used to minimize additional exposure. 

While traditional X-rays are still considered safe by the medical and dental community, digital X-rays produce 80% less radiation than traditional. In other words, while it is considered highly unlikely that you would develop issues from occasional traditional radiation exposure, it is even less likely with the process used in digital X-rays.

Digital X-rays are better for diagnostic purposes

For your dentist to make an accurate diagnosis, especially in small areas like between teeth, having the highest quality image is incredibly important.

Digital X-rays are available for analysis within seconds of being taken. Plus, the digital X-ray machine takes such high quality images that the results can be enlarged swiftly and easily to see even the smallest potential issues. Resizing can happen without any distortion or degradation of the image. Both distortion and degradation are common issues with traditional X-rays. 

We choose digital X-rays because we don’t want anything standing in the way of a swift and accurate diagnosis for any dental issue your child may be facing.

Digital X-rays are easier to share

Traditional X-rays degrade over time due to exposure to light and the gradual fading or warping of the materials they are printed on. Digital X-rays, on the other hand, can be easily transferred to anyone who needs them as a computer file. The files do not degrade and can be shared as many times as necessary.

Plus, sharing with other providers (such as dental surgeons or other medical practitioners) can happen immediately, rather than having to wait several days for traditional X-rays to be mailed or delivered via carrier.

Another reason that digital X-rays are easier to share is that they are more cost effective. Traditional X-rays require special film and special development processes. Both of these factors make traditional X-rays more expensive than digital X-rays, which can be immediately transferred from the X-ray machine to a computer.

The cost effective nature of digital X-rays empowers dentists and other medical providers to order X-rays whenever they feel the information would be helpful, rather than having to take into consideration the additional costs of traditional X-rays.

Expect that your child will need an X-ray at their next dental appointment? We’re happy to answer any questions about what to expect for your child before their appointment!