Digital X-rays are a relatively new technology that adds new functionality to this mainstay of dental diagnostics. Digital X-rays offer several advantages over traditional X-rays, allowing your dentist in Denver to make a more thorough and more accurate analysis of your dental health.
How Digital X-Rays Work
With traditional X-rays, X-rays pass through the tissues to strike a piece of sensitive film, much like photographic film. The film must then be developed on-site in order to view the resulting pictures, which takes a few minutes. Film is then stored in your file at the dentist’s office. If specialists need your X-rays, or if you move away and begin working with another dentist, these films must be physically transferred to the new office.
Digital X-rays use the same kind of X-ray technology, but the X-rays strike a special tablet that converts the light rays to digital pictures that are sent immediately to a computer. The pictures can be viewed right away, and are stored on the computer for later reference. Stored as files, the pictures are easily transferable.
Advantages of Digital X-Rays
Digital X-rays can be viewed immediately, unlike traditional X-rays that must be developed. In addition, the digital images are stored on the computer where they can be compared to previous images for more accurate diagnosis. With special software, your dentist can compare a series of images to more easily spot changes in your teeth such as minor decay, root loss or other problems.
Using digital X-rays, your dentist can keep better track of changes in your teeth that might go unnoticed with regular X-ray technology. These records can also be easily accessed on the computer and can be transferred digitally to dental specialists you might need to work with, or to a new dental office if you move to another city or out of state.
The advanced technology of digital X-rays makes it easier for our dental team to provide you with the best possible care. For more information on how this cutting edge technology can help you, please contact our office.