Digital Radiography

Why are dental x-rays needed?

Many diseases of the oral cavity including the teeth, surrounding tissues and bone cannot be seen when the dental examines your mouth. An x-ray examination may help Dr. Katz see:

1. small areas of decay between the teeth or below existing restorations (fillings)
2. bone destruction from a tooth infection (an abscess) or from a cyst
   
3. bone loss due to periodontal gum disease
   
4. developmental abnormalities
   
5. some types of tumors
   
6. the effects of trauma
   
7. the position of unerupted teeth in children and adults with our digital panoramic machine
   

Detecting and treating dental problems at an early stage can save time, expense and unnecessary discomfort and help prevent more serious health problems. Digital x-rays may help Dr. Katz detect problem areas and disease not visible during a periodic dental exam.

How are digital dental X-ray images made?

Digital imaging uses an x-ray machine like that used for dental radiographs made with film. But instead of film in a plastic holder, digital images are made using a small electronic sensor that is placed in your mouth to capture the image.

When the digital radiograph is exposed, the image is transmitted to a computer with a USB cable. Unlike conventional x-ray film that may take 5 minutes to process, digital x-ray images can viewed instantly on the computer monitor.

With digital x-ray images, a specific problem area of a tooth can be enhanced with magnification as well as brightness and contrast alterations. Viewing an enhanced image on a computer screen allows Dr. Katz to better see a problem area. Patients can more easily understand a dental problem or condition and discuss options for treatment. The images are stored on the computer allowing them to be easily compared to a future x-ray image to see if and how conditions have changed.

Digital x-rays are environmentally friendly. They eliminate the need for film and film processing chemicals that generate biohazardous waste.

Are dental x-rays safe?

Dental x-ray examinations require very low levels of radiation exposure. Digital x-ray images require approximately 50 - 80 percent less radiation than traditional film. The whole body radiation exposure associated with four bitewing radiographs is approximately 38 microsieverts. By comparison an airplaine flight at 39,000 feet is associated with an exposure of about 5 microsieverts per hour. This means the exposure during a set of four bitewing radiographs is roughly equivalent to a seven-hour flight. These estimates are based on traditional film based x-rays; many digital x-rays systems require even less radiation aprroximately 50 - 80 percent less radiation.



Call our office today to experience our digital radiography- (860) 678-1700