What Are Digital X-Rays and Do They Expose Me to Less Radiation?

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Today’s X-ray machinery is not just safer than ever before, it’s also more accurate than ever before. If you’ve heard of digital X-rays in Akron, OH, we’ll look at what you should know about them (including radiation levels).

Digital X-Rays

Digital X-rays rely on sensors hooked up to a computer rather than the traditional scans of yore. Many people may assume that their X-rays at the dental office are digital. (After all, everything else seems to be!)

However, it’s worth noting that dental practices adopt technology at their own pace and at their own risk. Plus, considering that digital X-rays are not exactly new, it’s worth noting when the technology debuted and what kind of features it offers. Just like an iPhone and an android perform differently, the ins and outs of digital X-rays can run the gamut.

Are Digital X-Rays Safer than Traditional X-Rays?

Technically, this answer is yes, though traditional X-rays don’t exactly put you in harm’s way. With both types of X-rays, the exposure to radiation is so small that it’s practically not worth mentioning.

The real benefits of digital X-rays are tied up in their accuracy. The better the technology, the easier it is for the dentist in Akron, OH to both diagnose and develop a treatment plan. For example, if you have a larger cavity and the dentist is trying to decide between a filling and a root canal, the additional imagery can help you avoid a lengthier and more involved procedure.

What’s more, the images are clearer, making it easier to show you the problem and explain why you’re getting one recommendation over another. This can help you make better long-term decisions when it comes to your oral health, which can ultimately translate to a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums.

At Marino Dental on Darrow, our staff evaluates new technology carefully. Just like we do at home, we have to make decisions that are smart bets for our patients overall well-being. When we make our final decisions, we do so based on the long-term returns of the investment. For us, it’s far more important to avoid the bells and whistles and focus on the practical benefits.

3 Things to Know About Digital X-Rays

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Digital X-rays are an alternative to traditional X-rays, but it’s also not always a well understood option by the average patient. When everything feels digital today, applying the benefits to your dental care isn’t exactly intuitive. If you’re interested in how digital X-rays work and why they’re becoming so popular in the dental industry, we’ll look at the facts.

1. Lower Doses of Radiation

Traditional X-rays are extremely safe as a general rule. They offer less radiation than, say, just 10 minutes on an airplane. That said, it can help to lower your exposure whenever possible, and digital X-rays in Akron, OH offer significantly lower levels of radiation to patients.

2. They’re More Accurate

This is the much bigger benefit of digital X-rays, especially when dental issues aren’t always as straightforward as they may seem. A small blemish or blur on the nerve or on the tooth is harder to detect and diagnose on a traditional X-ray than on a digital X-ray, which uses sensors to improve the resolution of the image. Whether you have a cavity or you need a root canal retreatment, early detection can be the only way to preserve your oral health and ensure that you can address a problem head-on rather than play the reaction game once an issue has reached the point of no return.

3. Better Communication

While you may not be a dentist, it’s easier to understand what’s happening with your oral health when you can see it clearly displayed on an X-ray. With traditional X-rays, the dentist may have had to do more interpretive work, whereas with a digital X-ray, they can show you where the problem is and how the image compares to the rest of your teeth, bone, and gums.

A dentist in Akron, OH who invests in digital X-rays is a dentist who invests in the long-term well-being of their patients. While traditional X-ray technology has advanced considerably since its introduction around a century ago, the reality is that digital X-rays have proven themselves to offer more benefits on the whole. If you’re looking for a team that can tell you more about how better images lead to better outcomes, contact Marino Dental on Darrow to see how we go above and beyond!