X-rays in dentistry are considered to be the most important tools for diagnosing several diseases and abnormalities that are not visible to the naked eye. Dental X-rays in the form of digital imaging have replaced conventional X-rays to offer more accuracy and detailing.
Uptown Phoenix dentist and their team specialize in digital X-rays to provide a more comprehensive diagnostic approach to dental problems and pathologies.
What is meant by digital X-ray?
A digital X-ray, or digital radiograph, is an advanced form of X-ray that has replaced conventional imaging over the recent decades. It uses special electronic sensors instead of traditional photographic films. The image that is recorded is precisely converted to digital data immediately and is available for review within seconds.
How do digital X-rays work?
This is how the digital X-rays work:
- A series of radiation beams with different wavelengths used in digital X-rays can penetrate through several layers of the body.
- This forms an image on a photographic film using digital sensors.
- These sensors usually come in the form of active matrix flat panels made up of a detection layer over an active matrix array of thin film transistors and photodiodes.
- These sensors can successfully convert the image into digital form in real-time. This allows the dentist to view the results on a computer screen immediately.
When are digital X-rays used?
Digital X-rays act as accurate diagnostic tools that provide valuable information during routine dental exams.
X-Rays help:
- Study the normal tooth and root morphology
- Detect interdental tooth decay
- Identify problems inside a tooth or below the gumline
- Evaluate the bone loss
- Identify abscesses, cysts, and tumors
- Diagnose lesions whether benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous).
- Diagnose any developmental anomaly
These X-rays greatly help save you time, money, and extensive dental procedures through early diagnosis of dental problems.
Do digital X-rays offer any benefit?
Digital X-rays are the most preferred types of radiographs due to the following benefits:
- Produce high-quality images
- Offer instant imaging results
- Demands less resources
- Radiation exposure can be adjusted to real-time
- Reduced exposure to radiation
- Relatively easy to use
- Facilitates easy image storage
- A lot of time and effort is saved
- The use of chemicals for developing the film is avoided
Summary
Digital X-rays are safe and effective diagnostic tools that can successfully detect oral abnormalities, helping dental professionals plan and execute an appropriate treatment strategy. Early detection can greatly enhance your disease prognosis and thereby improve your quality of life.