The Benefits of Digital Radiography Over Traditional X-Rays

As with all things in the dentist’s office, the way that we take x-rays of patients’ teeth has come a long way over the last couple of decades. While radiography still is an essential part of dentistry since it helps Jamestowne South Dental spot issues with cavities, impacted teeth, and other hidden problems, the way we go about getting those images as part of preventative dental care is easier and safer than it ever has been.

These days, Jamestowne South Dental and his staff use digital radiography rather than traditional x-rays, and there are several reasons why this is more beneficial to patients.

The Benefits of Digital Radiography

#1 Efficiency

One of the biggest differences between digital radiography and traditional x-rays is that digital radiography provides instant results. That’s because x-rays require literal film that needs to be sent to a lap for development before the doctor can have a look and then share those results with the patient. Just like with the digital camera on your phone, digital radiography allows doctors to see what they need to see with zero wait, which means less waiting time for patients, too.

#2 Less Exposure

While traditional x-rays always were safe, there is something to be said about how much safer digital radiography has been made due to the lower dosage of radiation required to capture an image of the inside of a patient’s mouth. In fact, digital x-rays give off about 70% less radiation than conventional x-rays. In particular, patients with certain existing health conditions or risk factors are safer with as little radiation as possible.

#3 Higher Definition

You may have noticed that the digital cameras on cell phones are higher and higher definition with every new model, allowing you to zoom is as close as you want in many images without sacrificing image quality. Well, the same is true with digital radiography. Jamestowne South Dental can see the image as he would with a traditional x-ray, but higher-def digital images allows techs to enhance the image for brightness and contrast, while using other processing techniques to get the most accurate and detailed x-ray possible.

#4 Digital Archiving

Another benefit of digital radiography is that it allows us to archive those images for future use much more easily than would be possible with literal film copies of x-rays. It’s not just a matter of storage, as physical x-rays take up space in files, but also because those images can degrade in quality over time. Digital x-rays are easier to store and hold up better over the long haul.

#5 Cost-Effectiveness

Doctors and dentists of all types have grown to love digital radiography because it is more affordable for them and their patients. With no need to purchase film or rent larger spaces to store old x-rays, it allows savings for everyone.

If the time has come for you to visit Jamestowne South Dental, either because you’ve got a lingering toothache or it’s time for your regular dental screening, please give us a call to take advantage of some of the best general dentistry in Bingham Farms. X-rays are a critical part of what we do, and we love that we can provide the newest, safest equipment for our patients!