Digital Radiography

Traditional x rays in a dental office use a technique that has not changed much in almost a century. Light energy, in this case x ray radiation, interacts with a chemical emulsion on the surface of a piece of film. This is developed in a dark-room using still more chemicals to produce an image which the dentist then squints at in front of a light to diagnose. We are taught in dental school to use magnification and a variable light source, but the reality is that few dentists do this. The results of this method are:

• diagnosis of the most obvious areas of decay.
• Several minutes waiting for the image to see if the thing we wanted to see is actually on the film.
• Several more minutes waiting to develop the retake.
• Much fretting when the film you want to see has been lost.
• You get the idea...

Using digital radiography, your dentist can now clearly identify all external and internal anatomical structures, and accurately diagnose your dental problems all within seconds and with minimal radiation exposure! What's even more amazing is that they can immediately translate that information into a large, clear, accurate image right next to your chair…ready for discussion.

Digital radiography’s technology improves and simplifies the way dentists care for their patients’ teeth, resulting in better dental evaluations and treatment decisions. A sensor placed in the mouth acts like a miniature digital camera with an x-ray sensitive chip, exposing you to 50%-90% less radiation exposure than with traditional x-ray techniques. The resulting highly detailed image of your mouth is almost instantaneously translated onto the computer screen, carrying with it all the conveniences of other digitized images. the dentist can rotate it, magnify it, adjust it for contrast, and even color-code it for educational purposes. Further, they can store it easily and efficiently in our computer files, eliminating paper files as well as image wear and tear. For insurance purposes, referrals or patient education, it can be easily, inexpensively and faithfully reproduced any number of times. And because it helps patients clearly understand the root issues behind their dental health, dentist and patient are able to work together to determine the very best treatment options for each case.

One particular benefit that should make you smile, Digital x rays reduce the amount of chemicals dumped into the public sewers and from there into our waterways. Think about that next time you're out on the lake!