the many benefits of digital radiography
At Metropolitan Dental Care, our Denver dentists use a form of medical imaging called digital radiography in place of traditional x-rays. While many patients are unaware of the advantages that digital imaging can provide. This advanced technology offers many benefits for images of the teeth and surrounding structures. Digital radiography systems allow our dentists to correctly diagnose conditions that may otherwise go undetected.
Above all, proper treatment requires an accurate understanding of the entire mouth and jaw. Digital x-rays offer more precision and accuracy than traditional film.
radiographic examinations help the dentist detect:
- Cavities between teeth
- Decay that extends into the root
- Tooth infection (abscesses or cysts)
- Gum disease
- Tooth and bone loss
- Unerupted teeth
- Impacted teeth that may need extraction
- Tumors
- Trauma, including damage that may require a dental crown
- Abnormal tooth development
- Proper placement for a dental implant or dental bridge
advantages of digital radiography
Compared to traditional x-rays, digital imaging systems have several advantages. For instance, they are more efficient and offer better quality with less radiation exposure. Digital imaging systems also provide a wider dynamic range which helps eliminate issues such as over and under exposure. Similarly, digital images are easy to store and share.
Overall, this means improved patient outcomes and consultation capabilities. This is a win-win situation for patients and dentists.
For instance, consider the differences between digital and film cameras. If you’ve used a film camera, you understand the frustrations. Dealing with film and waiting for it to develop causes delays and takes several minutes of your time. However, with digital cameras, you can immediately see, share, and modify images.
Firstly, x-ray images offer instant viewing without the need for image processing. Therefore, without the need for a dark room, chemicals, or personnel to process films, overall costs are reduced and the dentist and hygienist can focus their attention on the patient and their needs.
Secondly, your dentist can show you diagnostic imaging on a monitor right in the treatment room. Who doesn’t appreciate instant results?
This allows our dentists immediate access to your digital images. Issues can be identified quickly and action can be taken promptly. Digital imaging eliminates the delay and speeds up the diagnosis.
Thirdly, the digital technology offers improved image quality and allows for adjustments in exposure. In addition, it allows for correction of errors and zooming in on areas of concern. As a result, digital images offer more precise detail and accurate diagnosis.
Because of this, the need for repeated exposure is reduced or removed. Moreover, the radiographic beam can be smaller. Therefore, x-ray exposure is much less.
Computer images of x-rays also allow for easy storage and backup. This decreases clutter and reduces storage space needs.
On top of that, computer images allow for easy sharing. Therefore, all doctors involved in your care have easy access. This also means that you do not need to pick up and deliver films. If you want to switch dentists your old dentist can simply share your images with a few clicks of the mouse.
As an added benefit, digital x-rays allow our office to remain compliant with HIPPA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act). And most importantly, when backed up properly, the images are safe. In other words, we don’t need to worry about losing them from unexpected things, such as water or fire.
How does digital radiography work?
Digital radiography uses flat panel detectors, also known as x-ray sensitive plates, to directly capture data. Intraoral x-rays use a small image receptor (electronic sensor). This receptor is placed in the mouth and x-ray photons are then transmitted into a digital image.
The digital information immediately transfers to a computer system. This allows instant image availability for your dentist and hygienist. There is no need to wait for image processing. In addition, digital x-rays offer reduced radiation exposure.
Has your dentist made the switch from film to digital?
Digital radiography plays a key role in early detection and prevention of serious dental issues. When searching for a new dentist ask questions and inquire about what kind of technology they use. Radiographic imaging is paving the path to the future.
Patients want to see instant, on-screen results and dentists constantly strive to provide immediate, accurate assessments. Digital radiography allows just that, and more. Digital images provide detailed, pain-free, and immediate results.
Technology is ever-changing. Patients care about convenience and having everything easily accessible and at their fingertips. There’s no longer a need to request copies of films when seeing a new dentist. Digital images allow for easy sharing and this comes in handy especially in emergency situations.
Ready to make a change?
If you’re ready to make the move towards pain-free medical imaging then please give Metropolitan Dental Care a call. It’s time to see what digital imaging can do for you.
