Dental X-rays are a regular part of any oral health program, helping your dentist see “inside” your teeth and evaluate your jaws and the sections of teeth located below your gum line. For years, traditional X-rays were the standard used to capture these images, but today, digital X-rays are quickly becoming the norm.
At Dental Arts of Hoboken in Hoboken, New Jersey, Michael Moawad, DMD, and Jessica Listwa, DMD, use state-of-the-art digital X-rays to provide patients with the most advanced dental care available. Here, learn about four important benefits of this advanced imaging technique.
1. Less radiation exposure
X-rays use a small amount of radiation to “see” through tissues and produce images of bones and other underlying structures. While medical practitioners always strive to use the lowest amount of radiation possible, over time, the amount of radiation exposure still adds up.
One of the biggest benefits of digital X-rays is that they use far less radiation than traditional film X-rays. In fact, research shows that digital X-rays use 80-90% less radiation than a regular film X-ray.
Less radiation is a benefit for every patient, but it’s especially important for children, pregnant women, and anyone who requires regular X-rays or radiation as part of their medical care. It also means you can reap the benefits of comprehensive oral health care without the worry of too much radiation.
2. More precise imaging
Even though digital X-rays use less radiation, they still produce high-quality images with a lot of detail. In fact, digital X-rays are able to produce images with greater detail and greater precision and accuracy than traditional film imaging techniques.
This improvement in image clarity makes it easier for your dentist to monitor your oral health and spot tiny irregularities that can benefit from prompt treatment. Plus, digital images can be adjusted using special software designed to provide even better focus and contrast for clearer views and greater magnification.
Better imaging can help your dentist diagnose problems earlier, when treatment is simpler, which can offer benefits for your budget as well as your health.
3. Computerized storage
Unlike film X-rays that take up physical space in a cabinet or other storage system, digital X-rays are securely stored on a computer. Hazardous chemicals or reams of special film or paper aren’t required, and old X-rays don’t wind up in a landfill, both of which are big benefits for the environment.
Plus, having your images stored on a computer makes it easier to retrieve images for comparison from year to year, and it also makes it easier to share images with specialists when needed.
4. Greater patient comfort
Finally, the process of getting digital X-rays is a lot more comfortable for patients. In a traditional X-ray, you must bite down on large “bitewing” trays during the X-ray process. These trays can be large and uncomfortable, frequently leading to gagging. If you gag during an X-ray, it’s almost certain the image will need to be recaptured, meaning more discomfort and more radiation exposure for you.
Digital X-rays use special devices to capture images without large, uncomfortable trays. Plus, the X-ray process is extremely quick, which allows you and your dentist to view the images right away.
Learn more about digital X-rays
Our team is dedicated to using the most advanced technology for diagnosis and treatment of all sorts of oral health problems. To learn more about digital X-rays or to schedule a checkup, call 201-429-3641 or request an appointment online with the team at Dental Arts of Hoboken today.