In the recent past, the dental industry has seen many technological advancements. One of the most thrilling ones is the development of digital x-rays. These dental hardware are important tools for dental practices. They allow dentists to detect problems in the mouth faster and more accurately.
Digital x-rays use a digital sensor composed of special material. The material captures x-ray radiation and converts it to an electrical signal. The signal is then sent to a computer for processing by specialized software. The result is a digital image of the patient’s teeth and surrounding structures.
Dentists can manipulate, enlarge, and compare the result to previous images. Doing so helps them diagnose and treat the patient’s dental condition. Many dentists are choosing to go for digital x-rays because of the benefits they offer. Here are some pros of choosing digital x-rays for dental practices.
Reduced Radiation
Reduced radiation is one of the most important benefits of digital dental x-rays. Digital x-rays uniquely capture images. They use an electronic sensor instead of a traditional film to do so. The sensor requires up to 90% less radiation than traditional ray x-film. Therefore, digital x-rays are a safer option for patients.
Additionally, digital x-rays are faster and more efficient than conventional x-rays, meaning the patient spends less time in the chair. This means less risk of long-term radiation exposure, further enhancing patient safety. Digital x-rays ensure patient safety while still providing an accurate diagnosis.
High-Quality Images
Digital dental x-rays provide higher-quality images than traditional dental x-rays. They produce very clear and detailed images that are more accurate than those from traditional film x-rays.
Images from digital dental x-rays are also easy to manipulate for better visualization. This allows dentists to enhance the clarity of the images further. Enhanced images from digital x-rays can better display problem areas.
Digital dental radiography also allows for more precise measurements. This helps dentists diagnose and treat conditions with greater accuracy. Digital images can then get stored for future reference.
Immediate Viewing
One of the greatest benefits of digital x-rays is the capacity for immediate viewing. The transfer of digital x-ray images to a computer is quick and easy. Thus, a dentist can view the images on a computer screen or print them out.
Dental care practitioners are then able to make a fast and accurate diagnosis. They often don’t have to wait for the x-ray film to get developed. With a diagnosis, dentists can discuss treatment options with the patient. All this can happen within the same appointment, enhancing efficiency.
Immediate viewing can be especially beneficial in emergencies. During emergencies, time is of the essence. The ability to view images immediately can help practitioners provide prompt dental care.
Electronic Storage
Dentists can store images from digital dental x-rays electronically. Storage locations include secure servers or cloud-based storage systems.
Electronically-stored radiography images are easy to retrieve and transfer. With digital x-rays, dentists find it easier to share patient files with other dental professionals.
Electronic storage eliminates the need for the physical storage of x-rays. In doing so, dental offices can save on space and cost. With dental images stored electronically, dental offices can get rid of clutter.
Electronically-stored digital dental x-rays are secure. Most dental IT solutions allow for security features like encryption and password protection.
Ease of Transferring Dental Records
With conventional digital radiography, patients often need to bring physical x-rays with them. Receiving treatment may become difficult if they forget to carry the x-ray image. Digital dental x-rays come in to solve the problem.
With digital x-rays, doctors can easily transfer records across dental offices. The process is much simpler than transferring physical x-rays. Dentists can share images via email or use other secure transfer methods. Digital x-rays make the process of transferring dental records faster and more efficient.
A patient may need to switch dentists. The ease of transferring records is especially useful in such cases. Sometimes, a specialist must see a patient’s records to provide a diagnosis or treatment plan. Dental offices can quickly transfer the appropriate records to the specialist.
Environmental Friendliness
Digital dental x-rays are more environmentally friendly compared to traditional x-rays. They eliminate the need for hazardous chemical processing used in traditional film x-rays. In doing so, digital radiography eliminates potential environmental contamination.
Digital x-rays for dental practices also require no physical film, meaning they eliminate the need for plastic or chemical storage and disposal. Dentists can electronically archive images from digital x-rays. Doing so reduces the need for paper records, thereby reducing paper waste.
Shifting From Traditional X-Rays to Digital Dental X-Rays
The benefits of digital x-rays for dental practices are undeniable. Their improved image quality and radiation reduction have made them an essential diagnostic tool. Digital dental x-rays have revolutionized the dental industry. By shifting to digital x-rays, you can also enjoy the many benefits of the innovation.
Contact Erickson Dental Technologies today to learn how we can help your dental practice.
