Here’s Why Digital X-Rays Are Better For Your Diagnosis

Most times, the best way to form a dental diagnosis is to get a better look at your teeth and jaw. To do that, we recommend digital X-rays. At Downtown Dentistry, we make sure to give you comfort when we thoroughly examine your teeth. With that in mind, we’ve chosen to do away with conventional radiography and use a modern approach with digital x-rays.

How digital x-rays work

Digital x-rays or digital radiography uses electronic sensors with the tiniest bursts of radiation. Instead of the traditional process, the image from a digital x-ray is instant. Think of it the same way you would take a photo using a film camera versus a digital camera.

The digital x-ray machine uses x-ray sensitive plates. These plates take a quick snapshot of your mouth and immediately sends that to a computer. From there, you can view the x-rayed images of your mouth with no time needed for processing or developing.

Digital x-rays vs traditional x-rays

The advantages of dental digital x-rays outweigh their traditional counterpart. Digital x-rays are better for both the patient and the dental technician for many reasons.

One big difference that makes digital x-rays better is the amount of radiation exposure. Digital x-ray machines emit 80% less radiation than traditional ones.

While traditional x-rays use film and take time to develop, digital x-rays don’t need processing. Digital x-ray machines also produce higher-resolution images that allow dentists to enhance areas for better observation.

Digital x-rays for proper dental diagnosis

The use of digital x-rays in dentistry has been a great help for more accurate diagnoses and treatments. These are some of the issues that can be properly diagnosed with the use of digital x-rays:

• Impacted teeth and wisdom teeth
• Teeth development and movement
• Tooth decay under an existing filling
• Tooth decay that is not visible from a surface exam
• Gum disease and bone loss
• Cysts and tumours

Digital x-rays also help with treatments and procedures like tooth implants, dentures, and braces. Compared to traditional x-rays, dentists highly favour the digital alternative. Digital x-rays help our dentists clearly view and spot issues to recommend what services you may need.

How often you should get your teeth x-rayed depends on their condition. While some may need X-rays every six months, others may only need to do so every three years. Some dentists may recommend a digital X-ray once or twice a year for patients more prone to cavities and tooth decay.

The next time you get a dental x-ray, be sure to ask whether it’s with a traditional machine or a digital one. The difference not only saves you time but protects you from unnecessary radiation. Look no further for a comfortable and fast digital x-ray than with our dentists in Toronto. Don’t hesitate to book a check-up with us today!