What They Don’t Tell You About Digital X-Rays
In this era where technology is slowly replacing traditional methods. Digital radiology is the game-changer. Over the past years, it has advanced imaging in the medical field. Digital cameras have replaced film cameras, and things will never be the same. You can acquire, delete, modify, and sent out images within the shortest time possible, all thanks to digital radiology.
With dental x-rays, dentists can quickly identify any oral issues. They illustrate images in your mouth, therefore, enhancing the ability of your dentist to diagnose your dental conditions. Various dental offices have adopted the use of dental x-rays. Doctors can use digital x-rays to diagnose:
- Broken bones
- Arthritis
- Dislocated joints
- Cancer
- Tooth decay
- Abdominal pain
X-rays can also be used to locate swallowed objects and to determine if you have Tuberculosis or pneumonia.
What goes on During X-rays?
There is no need for special preparation. You may just be asked to take off eyeglasses, jewelry, or metallic objects. You may be asked to lie down or stand up, depending on the body part being examined. In a dentist’s office, the dentist will place the electronic sensors inside your mouth. A small wire is used to connect the computer and sensors. X-ray beams are sent via the tooth to the sensor. The computer then displays the image on its monitor. The image can be printed out or saved.
Let us have a look at the various benefits that digital radiology has for both the patient and dentist.
Advantages for Dentists
- Time-Saving: Dentists do not have to endure film anymore. Digital x-rays produce filmless images. Because of this, film processing will not be required.
- No Darkroom: Since using digital x-rays requires no film processing, dark rooms will no longer be needed.
- No Chemicals: More time is saved as the dentist won’t have to carry out chemical processing.
- Saving of Images: because of the electronic saving of images on a computer, space for storing paper x-rays is saved. The risk of these papers getting lost or misfiled is also eliminated.
- Immediate Viewing of Images: This is possible because the dentist doesn’t have to wait for the film to develop, which may inconvenience them.
- Information Sharing: Electronic sharing of the images with specialist offices is possible with this innovation.
- Image Manipulation: It is possible to enlarge and manipulate digital images on the monitor. The dentist will have a detailed view of the patient’s mouth.
Advantages for Patients
- Patient Education: As the x-rays are reviewed on the monitor, patients can understand their mouths better. In contrast with regular x-rays at the dentist’s, digital x-rays have more user-friendliness.
- Less Exposure to Radiation: According to some manufacturers, exposure to radiation is reduced by at least 70% when digital radiology is used.
How safe are X-rays?
Although they help you detect problems before they become a nightmare, x-rays can be problematic. For instance, there is a slight risk of getting cancer, especially in kids, as they are more sensitive to radiation. In cases of pregnancy, there is a need to use different imaging to avoid exposing the baby to radiation. You may experience some allergic reactions such as swelling, pain, and redness at the area where the shot was administered. Your doctor should be made aware of this.
What doesn’t an X-ray Show?
X-rays are an excellent choice if your doctor wants to check for rotting teeth or broken bones. If some parts of your body, e.g., the brain, intestines, or kidneys, are experiencing complications, other options may be recommended.
A tear in your knee ligament or torn rotator cuffs in the shoulder necessitates an MRI. MRIs also show bone bruises and tiny fractures that may not be shown on x-rays. If your hip is broken, MRI is the best option. MRIs are also recommended for spine injuries as they enable the doctor to see your spinal cord and spine bones. CT scans, too, can be used in place of x-rays to diagnose kidney stones, blood clots, and head injuries.
Are you looking for a dentist in Cheshire, CT? Look no further as Renee Kurtz DMD has got you. To serve you better, we have incorporated digital x-rays in our services in Cheshire, CT. Dr. Renee Kurtz has been practicing for many years and will accord you the necessary assistance. Call us and book an appointment. Our dentist near you can’t wait to meet you.