Benefits of Digital X-Rays: Safer, Faster, and More Accurate

The technology behind dental X-rays has significantly changed over the last few decades. The first dental X-rays hit the market in the late 1980s. Since then, improvements have made what was once an uncomfortable part of going to the dentist something that takes just minutes to complete. Modern digital dental X-rays done by your dentist in Woodbridge, VA, are safer, faster, and provide better images.

Digital Dental X-Rays Safer

Digital dental X-rays emit significantly lower amounts of radiation than the old-school film technology. The amount of radiation patients get from a digital dental X-ray is comparable to what you might get from a ceramic floor or a TV. Patients get an estimated 90 percent less radiation with a dental X-ray.

Digital X-rays are also safer for the environment. Film X-rays required chemical processing using harmful solutions.

Digital Dental X-Rays Are Faster and More Comfortable

Prior to digital X-rays, to get an image, patients had to hold a large piece of film in their mouth. That film eventually had the image on it after processing. These squares were stiff and inflexible. They often cut into the soft tissue and tired out the jaws.
Digital X-rays use small, flexible sensors. They are much more comfortable to hold in your mouth. The digital imaging process is quick, too, so the sensors are only in place for seconds instead of several minutes.

Digital Dental X-Rays Are Better Overall

Digital dental X-rays are also better for dental professionals. They produce clearer, high-quality images, which can be enhanced on the computer to give the dentist better views.

There is also no need for physical storage of the X-rays. Digital X-rays can be easily stored on a computer network and retrieved at any time for a before-and-after view or by another dental specialist.

Next time you are at the dentist in Woodbridge, VA, ask about digital X-rays and get a first-hand account of how they work.