Dental X-rays play an important role in oral healthcare, helping diagnose problems in their earliest stages. Still, because X-rays use radiation, many people worry that having X-rays as part of their oral health routine poses potential dangers for their health.
At Compassionate Endodontists New York/NYC, our team uses digital X-rays to evaluate our patients’ oral health needs. Digital X-rays use less radiation compared to traditional X-rays, and they offer other benefits, too. Here, learn how digital X-rays work and whether regular X-rays pose risks to your health.
Traditional and digital X-rays use waves of electromagnetic radiation to capture images of your teeth, jawbones, and other structures. These images are used to check for decay and other problems, to plan or monitor treatment, to locate and evaluate impacted teeth, or to monitor the growth and development of teeth.
The way an X-ray works is simple. As the radiation passes through your body from the X-ray device, bones and other dense substances absorb more of the energy, making them appear whiter or lighter on the final image. Less dense structures allow more radiation to pass, so these structures show up darker.
In a traditional dental X-ray, film is used to capture the final images. With digital X-rays, we use a digital sensor. The sensor is attached to a computer that creates the images immediately, so we can review them right away.
Traditional dental X-rays use very low amounts of radiation. A series of four bitewing X-rays is equivalent to about the same amount of radiation we’re exposed to each day through sunlight and other environmental sources.
Digital X-rays use even less radiation than traditional film X-rays — about 80%-90% less. Lower levels of radiation mean even less radiation exposure for patients, which is one key way these X-rays excel in safety.
Digital X-rays are also very precise, zeroing-in on tiny areas while limiting exposure to the surrounding tissues. The images created by digital technology are also extremely accurate, limiting the need for retakes.
Finally, because the images are stored on a computer, digital X-rays are safer for the environment, too. With digital X-rays, there’s no need for harmful chemicals to develop the film and no film waste to dispose of either.
Most patients benefit from X-rays once a year, but that can vary depending on your specific needs. Our team only recommends X-rays when necessary to help you maintain optimal oral health.
To learn more about digital X-rays or to schedule a regular checkup and cleaning appointment, call 929-229-0255 or book an appointment online at Compassionate Endodontists New York/NYC today.
