Digital Dental X-Rays

Providing Affordable Dental X-Rays in Buffalo, NY

Digital dental x-rays also known as digital radiography is a recent development in the field of dental X-ray imaging. Unlike the longer-established methods of capturing and printing X-ray photographs, digital radiography, true to its name, incorporates digital technology to quickly and effectively take X-rays and access the results of the scan.

In addition to the speed and quality of digital radiography imaging, other benefits include a significant reduction (up to 90%) in the amount of radiation used to capture an image and the option to increase the size of the image for better viewing. Dentists are also able to forego the use of chemicals to develop X-ray film when digital radiography is used.

Digital Dental X-RaysBecause X-rays are a form of radiation, patients may be hesitant to have X-ray scans taken of their mouths. However, dental radiography is an asset to dentists.

Even the most thorough of examinations of a patient’s mouth can prevent a dentist from detecting key issues. While stains, plaque, and most cavities may be readily visible, complications from periodontitis and tooth decay often occur far below the gum line, and the use of X-rays is the least invasive way of inspecting these harder-to-reach areas.

X-ray images are taken when an X-ray generator beams X-rays through a solid object. An image plate or a similar behind the object detects and collects the X-rays, producing a photograph that a doctor or a radiologist can examine in order to identify abnormalities.

Dental X-ray images are taken in essentially the same manner, and though X-rays do produce a small amount of radiation, the amount produced by the common dental X-ray scan is not dangerous; this type of X-ray scan contains half as much radiation as that which the average person absorbs from natural sources every 24 hours.

To put it another way, a dental X-ray scan can expose a patient to the same amount of radiation as eating 50 bananas—hardly a lethal or even threatening dosage. When not taken in excess, dental X-ray imaging is both perfectly safe and invaluable to your dentist in screenings for cavities and related damage to teeth and gums.

In digital radiography, X-rays are detected through the use of digital X-ray sensors. This substitution of the film used in more traditional X-ray photography allows far fewer X-rays to be used in order to generate an image, which is available immediately after the scan on the computer linked to the digital sensor.

Because the images are stored digitally, there is no need to wait for film to develop and or make copy after copy for patients’ files and follow-up visits. Instead, a few clicks of a mouse can instantly send the digital X-ray photographs throughout the dentist’s office, to an independent specialist, and to insurance companies.

Digital dental X-rays are a faster, safer, more environmentally friendly, and cost-effective alternative to the more conventional procedure using film. The clarity and manipulability of the images enables dentists to more easily and speedily detect dental problems, without the necessity of requesting additional images.

Because patients are able to see the images at the same time as their dentists can, both parties may be involved in the diagnosis and treatment processes.

We have several advanced imaging options available including digital dental x-rays which are designed to save you time and money when diagnosing dental problems, and creating precise treatment plans. Contact our office today to schedule an appointment.

What types of new technologies do you have?

We have several new technologies at our office. Our digital X-ray emits far less radiation than a typical X-ray, and the scan is available immediately on a computer. Another unique instrument at our office is the Intra-Oral camera that we use to take photos of every patient’s teeth. Our patients are able to witness the progress of their teeth before, during, and after each operation.

Why do dentists need to take X-rays?

X-rays are essential to our care for our patients. There are many areas of the mouth, such as the space between the teeth and the bone, that are invisible or unnoticeable without the use of an X-ray. It is important to check for abscesses, hidden tooth decay, and similar chronic dental issues with X-ray scans.

Dental X-rays involve low doses of radiation, and digital X-rays reduce the amount of radiation even further. To illustrate, our digital X-ray scans emit the same amount of radiation as less than two minutes of exposure to sunlight.

Are Dental X-Rays Harmful?

Of course, any type of X-Ray has some type of radiation. In the case of dental X-rays, the level of radiation you are being exposed to is so low that it is considered safe not only for adults but also for children as well. If you have a dentist that uses film to develop your X-Rays instead of digital your risks of radiation exposure increase. The lead bib that is used while you receive your x-rays is used for precautionary measures to protect your vital organs from any possible exposure to radiation.

Can A Dental X-Ray Show Cancer?

When you are receiving dental X-Rays there is a possibility that is can show whether or not you have any cancer within your jaw. You put yourself at major risk for oral cancer if you use tobacco, drink alcohol, exposure yourself to the sun and have a history of neck and head cancer. Detecting cancer on an x-ray is not a proper way to be diagnosed. In most cases a biopsy is needing to be done to see whether or not what has been found is malignant or benign.

Do Dental X-Rays Show Infection?

X-Rays are important because they do show infection. They can show infection before the individual even realizes there is something wrong, before any symptoms arise. Infections and abscesses that are at the end of the roots commonly come up during x-rays. Tumors and cysts are also visible on x-rays as well. Any teeth that may be missing or developing can also come up on x-rays.

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