Digital Radiography![]() Radiography is an imaging technique that produces high-quality anatomic images by using X-rays. General radiography is currently a major part of hospital imaging departments and includes abdomen, chest, and extremity examinations. Digital dental radiography is a technology that has been around for over 10 years. Benefits of Digital RadiographyAside from revealing important information about your smile, there are other notable benefits of digital radiography. First, digital radiography is a safe alternative to traditional radiography because it emits 90 percent less radiation. The images captured by digital X-rays don’t have to be developed the way a traditional X-ray would. Instead, our professionals view them instantly on a nearby monitor. Our team also doesn’t physically store X-rays; they are saved on our computer for later reference. Process for Digital RadiographyUnlike those captured the traditional way, digital X-rays are ready instantly. Our professionals will carefully examine the images for evidence of oral health standards. Digital X-rays are easily enlarged to get an up-close and personal view. Suppose your treatment case requires the attention of a specialist. In that case, the digital X-rays are easily transferred between offices to make it easier for our professionals to partner and communicate with the best specialists. Why is Dental Radiography So Important?There are oral diseases that dentists cannot see during a normal visual exam. That is why our professionals use dental X-rays. Dental X-rays can reveal even the smallest cavities between teeth, cavities hidden by fillings, periodontal disease, infections in the bone, abscesses, cysts, and tumors. Our professionals used to process film-based X-rays, which required a typical darkroom set up in our office, complete with a cabinet to store films, and the caustic chemicals to develop them. There was a significant waiting period for the pictures to develop tied into the process. Digital X-rays reduce a patient's exposure to radiation by up to 90 percent. Although, even with the traditional way of taking dental X-rays, the amount of radiation patients get is normally low and not harmful. Digital radiography is more environmentally friendly, and digital X-rays take significantly less time to develop. Digital X-rays allow our professionals to instantly capture and send the image of the patient’s teeth and mouths. The image goes directly to the computer, where it can be enlarged as needed, adjusted for brightness and contrast, printed, or securely emailed. Digital radiographs are of higher quality than film-based ones and do not suffer a reduction in quality when duplicated. For more information, and to find out how you and your child can benefit from digital radiography, call Jason Widner DMD Family Dentistry at 425-868-0123 today. |
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