Digital dental x-rays, also known as digital radiology, are growing in popularity among dental professionals. Compared to traditional X-rays, digitally capturing a patient’s teeth comes with additional flexibility and accuracy. Dentists can capture a scan of their patient’s mouth in mere minutes.
Since the technology is still relatively new, you might not have encountered it yet during your regular X-ray updates. Here at Hemet Dental Center: Brian Stiewel DDS, INC., we put together this article to ease your mind about this new option in digital dentistry.
Many patients may have questions or concerns about the process if this is their first time getting a digital dental X-ray. Here is what patients should know about what they are and how they work.
The process will depend on what kind of X-ray the patient needs. In the case of intraoral X-rays, the dentist will place X-ray film inside the patient’s mouth. Extraoral X-rays, on the other hand, take place outside the mouth.
Depending on what information the dentist needs, they may place the film in different locations. Sometimes the patient will bite down on the film, and sometimes the dentist will place film between the patient’s teeth and cheek.
Digital X-rays tend to take less time than the traditional method because computers can capture the data quickly. The exact duration will depend on how many X-rays the dentist wants to capture. However, it should take about a minute or less for each X-ray. Typically, the dentist will take X-rays as part of the patient’s regular dental cleaning.
Yes, digital dental X-rays are safe. According to the American Dental Association, the digital method exposes patients to less radiation than traditional X-rays. The computer captures X-ray data quickly, thus generating less radiation overall.
Patients might feel temporary discomfort while the edges of the X-ray film press against their cheeks. But since digital radiology captures data quickly, the patient only needs to endure the discomfort for a few seconds.
Digital X-rays are more accurate than traditional X-ray methods because they capture high-quality images. Dentists can magnify the images and make more informed treatment decisions.
Digital X-rays tend to be cheaper than traditional X-ray film. X-ray film can be expensive for the dentist, and they may pass that cost onto their patient.
In addition, if the dentist needs to share the X-ray data with a dental lab, they must mail out physical copies. Not only is this slow compared to digital sharing, but it also incurs postal fees.
Regular, up-to-date X-rays can help your dentist make informed decisions to keep your mouth healthy. Digital X-rays make the process easier, faster, and more comfortable for both you and your dentist. Schedule your appointment today.
Request an appointment here: https://hemetdentalcenter.com or call Hemet Dental Center: Brian Stiewel DDS, INC. at (951) 707-4366 for an appointment in our Hemet office.
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