How Digital X-Rays Have Impacted Dentistry

August 3, 2021

Ever since their invention back in the early 1900s, X-rays have changed the medical field. It is the oldest and widely used form of imaging that has helped diagnose health problems throughout the years. Ever since it was adopted in dentistry, many smiles have been changed. X-rays are one of the critical technologies that our dentist in Encinitas, CA, utilizes to peer into the oral cavity.

Radiology has improved throughout the years, and now it is way better than when it was first discovered. It has evolved from the films that characterized the traditional X-rays to the digital X-rays, which are safer and more efficient.

Old Imaging Technique

Traditional x-rays, also known as radiographs, were used for decades in dentistry. Their main purpose was to detect tooth decay or dental cavities—picture traditional x-rays as the old cameras that used films to capture images.

X-rays use electromagnetic radiation, which is the same as visible light. However, X-rays emit higher energy that enables them to pass through objects. When the X-ray passes through the body, they are absorbed by different structures. If the structure has a high atomic number, such as bones, it will absorb the x-ray and cause the image on the film to seem whiter.

However, the radiation levels were high, and so most people got queasy about getting x-rays.

Digital X-Rays Are Better Than Traditional X-Rays

When the traditional X-ray was invented, the medical world changed. The incorporation of the traditional X-ray in dentistry was a significant milestone. Simply because before dental X-rays, there was no way to know what is going on in someone’s mouth. So, tooth loss was inevitable.

But, what took dentistry to the next level was the introduction of digital X-rays. They are convenient and safer than traditional X-rays. Digital x-rays are not developed in dark rooms as their predecessor. But digital x-rays are stored in a computer and can be enlarged if you need to see a specific area.

This state-of-the-art technology has helped diagnose dental health with speed, accuracy, and comfort. With digital x-rays, our dentist can get comprehensive visual knowledge of your teeth, your jawbones, and the roots.

How Digital X-Rays Improve Dental Care?

It is clever to err on the side of caution. This is where digital x-ray in dentistry comes in handy. Digital X-rays are used to help detect certain problems early, such as:

• Periodontal disease: Digital x-rays can be used to diagnose gum disease and help our dentist determine the best treatment options.
• Tooth decay: Decay can be subtle and can even happen under a cracked dental filling. Digital x-rays can help detect early before the problem escalates.
• Diseases in the jawbone: Digital x-rays are excellent in distinguishing between patients who have osteoporosis from those who don’t. Also, it can help detect if you have a low bone density, as is the case with patients who have loose teeth, loose dentures, and receding gums

What Do Digital X-Rays Offer You?

Many facets of modern dentistry wouldn’t be possible if it wasn’t for the discovery of the X-ray. Oral issues at times aren’t usually visible to the naked eye; this is why digital x-rays are vital. Because a digital x-ray in dentistry is superior to traditional x-rays, you will receive better oral care.

Digital x-rays have transformed dentistry in the following ways:

• Rapid Processing

Traditional x-rays use films, which required at least 10 minutes to process an image per patient. On the other hand, digital x-rays give our dentists the chance to see the images immediately. This means that you will have shorter appointment times.

• Less Exposure to Radiation

Traditional x-rays were exposing patients to high levels of radiation. With digital x-rays, your radiation exposure is immensely reduced. Digital x-rays emit almost four percent less radiation than traditional x-rays.

• No Need for Harmful Chemicals

Unlike traditional x-rays, digital x-rays don’t need harmful chemicals to process the images, making them environmentally safe.

• Better Image Quality

Digital x-rays give our dentists the option of zooming, adding contrast, viewing them in 3D or even making them sharper. This allows our dentist to view hidden areas where there could be decay, gum disease, abscesses or even bone infections.

Digital x-rays are far better than conventional x-rays, meaning that you will receive better oral care. Contact us at Sinclair Smiles for oral care.

Back to Blog

• Previous Blog
• Next Blog