When you visit the dentist, you will likely have some x-rays done. They are typically done about once a year for every patient so the dentist can see below the gum line and the jaw bone to check for gum disease or tumors. X-rays are important for your oral health and can help prevent or diagnose conditions early on so your dentist can take care of them as soon as possible.

Digital X-Rays are digital scans of the inside of the mouth. They are much more detailed than traditional x-ray machines because digital x-rays use digital sensors to distinguish between different densities so the dentist can see what is inside the teeth. With digital x-rays, the image is displayed on a monitor at the dentist’s office so they can zoom in and take a closer look if needed. As a result, they help the dentist make a highly informed diagnosis and help create the treatment choice that will be best for the patient.

What are Digital X-rays?

A digital dental x-ray is a diagnostic tool that is used to scan the inside of your mouth. The x-ray technician can display the digital image on an LCD computer screen, which makes the digital images very detailed. The images can then be stored on digital media like CDs or DVDs, making them quick and easy for the dentist to send to other dental professionals.

The process of the x-ray is relatively simple. When the x-ray passes through your mouth, different areas absorb the x-ray more than others before hitting the film. The denser parts of the mouth, like the teeth and bone, absorb more of the x-ray than the soft tissues like the cheeks and gums. This is why the teeth and bone appear whiter on the film compared to the soft tissue; the x-ray penetrates through the soft tissue easier. Cavities and diseases of the gum will also appear darker on the film, like the soft tissue.

Benefits of Digital Radiology Compared to Traditional X-Ray

There are many advantages of the use of digital x-ray versus traditional x-ray films.

Advantages of using Digital Radiology:

• can be instantly projected onto a computer screen so the views can be manipulated
• no need for photographic film
• more digital information and better translation
• multiple digital x-rays can be stored on digital media instead of exposing the patient to additional radiation during retake sessions
• can email digital images to other professionals for a second opinion
• can transfer digital images easily to electronic medical record

Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT)

Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) is a digital x-ray that can create 3D images of the jaws and teeth. These digital slices allow dentists to see the depth and shape of the jaws and teeth to help plan orthodontic treatment, oral surgery, dental implants, or other prosthetic procedures. It’s like having your teeth x-rayed by a digital camera.

Dental Imaging took a significant leap forward at the beginning of the new millennium with the three-dimensional technology of CBCT. The name comes from the cone-shaped beam of x-rays the CBCT machine projects as it rotates around a person’s head. As it rotates, it takes multiple images that are compiled into 3D pictures on the computer.

Why X-Rays Are Important

X-rays are used to view the bones and teeth underneath soft tissues like skin and gums. These digital images allow the dentist to see the inside of your mouth and diagnose problems that might not be visible to the naked eye. For example, they can help detect cavities between teeth, gum disease, abscesses, cysts, impacted teeth, and more. X-rays can also be used to diagnose problems with the jaw’s tendons causing TMJ and determine whether orthodontic treatment or surgery is appropriate.

Concerns About Radiation Exposure From X-Ray, Explained

It is important to note that digital x-rays produce minimal radiation exposure and are considered safe. X-rays expose the teeth and bones below the skin’s surface to a minimal amount of radiation. Therefore, by receiving x-rays from digital imaging, the patient only gets the minimum amount needed to obtain digital images.

For more information about our digital x-rays or if you need treatment that may need to be diagnosed by digital x-ray, contact our office in Cheshire, CT at 203-699-9705 today!