It's impossible to imagine the practice of dentistry without x-ray technology. Radiographs (x-ray pictures) allow dentists and orthodontists to diagnose and treat problems not yet visible to the naked eye, including early tooth decay, gum disease, abscesses, and abnormal growths.
Facts About Digital X-Rays
- Digital x-rays are one of the newest x-ray techniques.
- Standard x-ray film is replaced with a flat electronic pad or sensor.
- The image goes into a computer where it can be viewed on a screen, stored, or printed.
- Digital x-rays taken at different times can be compared using a process that highlights dissimilarities. As a result, your orthodontist can catch tiny changes much sooner.
- Used properly, digital x-rays use about half the radiation of conventional film.
Advantages of Digital X-Rays
Besides minimizing radiation exposure, digital x-rays offer numerous advantages, such as:
- No chemical processing & no waiting. Because there is no film to process with digital x-rays, there is no waiting for pictures to develop (and no toxic chemicals to dispose of). Your orthodontist can immediately show you the pictures on a computer screen for easy viewing.
- A clearer picture. It's possible to get more information from digital x-rays when they are sharper and enhanced in a number of ways. The contrast can be increased or decreased, and areas of concern can be magnified. It's even possible to compare current and past x-rays on-screen, allowing you to note even the minutest changes to your tooth structure.
- Easy sharing and storage. Digital x-rays provide a better visual aide for you, the patient, to understand your diagnosis and treatment options. They can be e-mailed to different locations; they are also far less likely to be misplaced.
X-Rays & Your Safety
While digital technology has minimized the health risks of x-rays, it has not entirely eliminated them. X-rays use a type of radiation to penetrate the tissues of the body to create an image. In doing so, there is always a slight possibility of causing changes at the cellular level. Your safety is always paramount at Mack Orthodontics. If you have any questions about x-ray safety or why an x-ray might be necessary for your treatment, please ask.
Experience Better Treatment Today
Mack Orthodontics uses the latest dental and orthodontic services and technology so that all our patients receive the best orthodontic treatment possible. Come experience the difference at any of our three locations (Bettendorf, Maquoketa, and Eldridge, IA) and request an appointment online today!
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