Digital radiography utilizes computer technology and digital sensors for the acquisition, viewing, storage, and sharing of radiographic images. It offers several advantages over the older traditional film-based methods of taking x-rays. The most significant of these advantages is that digital radiography reduces a patient’s exposure to radiation. Other benefits are that images can be viewed instantly after being taken, can be seen simultaneously as needed by multiple practitioners, and can be easily shared with other offices. Digital x-rays are also safer for the environment as they do not require any chemicals or paper to develop. An electronic pad, known as a sensor is used instead of film to acquire a digital image. After the image is taken, it goes directly into the patient’s file on the computer. Once it is stored on the computer, it can be easily viewed on a screen, shared, or printed out.
- Look for decay between teeth… sometimes it is not visible to the naked eye
- Check for bone loss… an x-ray will show the degree of bone loss associated with irreversible loss of jaw bone
- Check for decay under crowns/fillings…an x-ray is the only way to see this type of decay
- Look for infection at the tip of the Root and pathology…if you have an infection near the bone, an x-ray will confirm it
- Examine the area before procedures…gives full view of the teeth and bone
