Why Digital Radiography Is Better Than Dental X-Rays

When comparing digital radiography to traditional film-based dental X-rays that use film, both procedures have the dentist inserting a “sensor” into the patient’s mouth to capture images of the teeth. However, for patients of Perfecting Your Smile – Jamestowne South Dental, that’s where the similarities end between digital dental radiography vs. conventional radiography.

What Is Digital Radiography?

Radiography (specifically, x-rays) has long been a valuable tool for diagnosing a range health issues, from broken bones and dental cavities, to pneumonia and concussion syndrome. Digital radiography can be viewed as the logical evolution from analog materials to a computer-based technology that accomplishes the same goal – but does so faster, safer, and for a lower cost.

Why Is Digital Radiography Superior To Dental X-Rays?

Better Quality

Dental x-rays rely on traditional (and cumbersome) bitewings in order to capture on film the images a dentist needs. But not only does it take time for the film to develop, there’s always a chance of film being under/overexposed, and having to start all over again. On the other hand, a small, wireless digital sensor replaces the bitewing. This sensor is connected to the dentist’s tablet or computer, and when the x-ray is finished the images are sent directly to the device’s screen for the dentist to view.

Instead of several minutes, the digital images are relayed in a matter of seconds. Also, the image quality is better, and the fact that they’re digital means they can be modified without compromising any information. And from a purely ecological point of view, not only does digital radiography greatly reduce material waste, it also doesn’t require the use of potentially harmful chemicals to process images.

Less Radiation

The equipment used in digital radiography exposes dental patients to much less radiation than with traditional x-rays – in fact, digital radiography uses up to 80% less radiation than film-based x-rays. And even though conventional dental X-rays are relatively safe, digital radiography is far better for a patient’s health, especially those patients who require frequent/periodic x-rays, or who are concerned about radiation.

Lower Cost

Dental digital radiography software is significantly more cost-effective than traditional x-ray technology. X-ray film must be purchased and used, and then filed, stored, and retrieved, steps which have an attached time and monetary value. Also, as alluded to above, exposure-related errors can necessitate more x-rays being taken, which adds another layer of cost. In contrast, digital x-rays benefit from a low acquisition cost, a low cost of storage, and access to a virtually unlimited amount of storage space. Moreover, digital outputs can be stored in multiple places -i.e. the Cloud, an external hard drive, etc.

The lower expense offered by digital radiography also extends to the transfer of information. If a dentist wants to share traditional dental x-rays with an orthodontist or a mold maker, he has to send them in the mail or by courier. But in a digital world, email or Dropbox is all you need.

We’re On The Cutting Edge Of Dental Care

Many aspects of the business environment at Perfecting Your Smile – Jamestowne South Dental are digital-based. Through the use of leading-edge dental technologies, digital radiography, and the best dental digital sensor solutions, we provide patients in Birmingham and Bingham Farms with safe, state-of-the-art dental care.