How Dental X-Rays Play A Central Role In Your Care

Dental x-rays have been a mainstay of dental practice for well over a century, having first been developed in 1895. Since their initial introduction by Wilhelm Conrad Röntgen, a German physicist, they’ve become one of the mainstays of dental practice. While this hasn’t changed, they certainly have come a long way since they were first introduced. The latest innovation in this technology is digital x-rays, which take the science of dental imaging to new heights.

The History of Dental X-Rays and The Rise of Digital X-rays

Just to put things in perspective, the first dental x-ray took approximately 24 minutes to take, and required significant exposure to x-ray radiation. In the century of innovation that has passed, the time has been reduced to being almost instant, and the required dosage of radiation has been reduced to being nearly negligible. In fact, you often get more radiation spending a few minutes in the sun than you receive as part of getting a traditional x-ray done. However, they also involved the use of bite-plates, which many patients find uncomfortable, and multiple images. The use of multiple images requires your dentist to consult multiple films, and to diagnose your concerns in a 2d format.  

Digital x-rays changed all this by providing:

  • Comfort – 3D scanning doesn’t require bite plates, instead using a panoramic x-ray device that takes the entire image in a single go.
  • Quality – The degree of precision available using digital impressions simply cannot be matched by traditional x-rays. The image produced is in 3D, exceptionally clear, and is produced in a digital format that lets it be rotated, zoomed, and shrunk at need.
  • Inexpensive – Digital x-rays are no more expensive than traditional x-rays.
  • Convenient – Should you need your x-rays forwarded to a specialist or something similar, they can easily be transmitted without need for a CD or printing films. A file can easily be forwarded that will give your new physician access to everything they need.
  • Safer – While traditional x-rays were already using a minuscule amount of radiation to get your images, digital x-rays use even less. The amount of radiation needed to create an x-ray has been reduced so much that it’s almost non-existent.

These are just a selection of the reasons that digital x-rays have become the new paradigm among dentists. There are far too many benefits to this system for both patients and dentists alike. Another innovation that came along with digital x-rays is digital impressions. A similar system that eliminates the need for messy gel trays that can cause some patients serious discomfort.

Talk To Your Dentist About Digital X-Rays

If you want to know if digital x-rays are available through your practitioner, it’s time to pick up the phone. Schedule a visit to your specialist, and talk to them about the options available to you. Digital x-rays are able to guarantee that your dentist has the best opportunity to identify any concerns you may be facing, and plan for treatments. Call today and see what digital x-rays can do for you!

Dr. Maherin Momin

Dr. Momin is a proud alumna of the Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC, where she graduated summa cum laude in her class. Dr. Momin strives to provide her patients with excellent care and ensure patients are fully educated about their dental conditions and needs, so they can make the informed decision that is best for them. Despite her stellar academic record, Dr. Momin is also part of the American Dental Association, Texas Dental Association, and Greater Houston Dental Society.

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