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Digital dental x-rays offers a more comfortable and more convenient way to x-ray the mouth. Like its predecessor, digital dental x-rays offer a look into the teeth, bones, mouth, jaw, soft tissues, and can expose any hidden problems. A digital x-ray uses a smaller sensor than a traditional x-ray. This results in more comfort for the patient and exposure to less radiation.

Are There Complications?

Many people worry about the radiation they are exposed to in their mouth. Dental x-rays are much more targeted than an x-ray on any other part of the body. That means that less of the patient is exposed to radiation. The radiation used is still very, very minimal. We are all exposed to radiation on a daily basis whether we realize it or not. We are even exposed to radiation from space.

Some patients may be curious why a dentist leaves the room during the dental x-ray if the amount of radiation is so small. A dentist leaves the room because they are exposed to this process all day long. While one patient is exposed to a very small amount of radiation, that could be the dentist’s 20th x-ray of the day. Using digital dental x-rays exposes the patient to even less radiation. Statistics show that using this method cuts radiation exposure up to 80%.

There are other benefits to digital dental x-rays. A digital dental x-ray does not need time to develop like a traditional x-ray. It is viewable right after it is taken. That can mean less time waiting in the dental chair for the patient. Since the image is digital, it is easy to enhance the image. The image is stored in a computerized database. It can be enhanced using dental imaging software.

Why Choose Digital X-Rays?

Dental x-rays are important to plan for treatment. A dental x-ray shows things that aren’t always visible to a physical examination of the mouth. It can show decay, abscesses, position of the roots, wisdom teeth, and other issues that need the attention of a dentist. People with a small bite will benefit from the comfort of a digital dental x-ray. It only requires a small sensor as opposed to the larger plate that is used for traditional dental x-rays.

A full mouth series is generally taken for a new patient. This helps the dentist evaluate the needs of the patient. A patient may come in to have a cavity filled, but finds out there is also an abscess that needs to be treated. A full mouth series is considered good for around three years. A bite-wing x-ray is an x-ray of the patient’s teeth biting down. These are taken at check-ups. They are used to look for new dental problems.

It is important that a woman inform her dentist if she is pregnant. Although dental x-rays expose a patient to very little radiation, routine x-rays should wait until after pregnancy. Emergency x-rays are acceptable. According to the American College of Radiology the radiation from a single dental x-ray is not enough to affect the development of an unborn child.