X-rays are an essential aspect of dentistry. With X-rays, we can diagnose and plan treatment for a wide range of dental issues, many of which may be hard to diagnose with just the naked idea. X-rays allow us to create an image, like a photo, of the area that is exposed to the x-ray beam. Historically, this image has been captured on a film that is developed in a manner similar to the way that photographs used to be made into a negative and saved as a print. With x-rays, denser objects like bone and teeth absorb, or block, the x-rays before they pass through to the film. Soft tissues like cheeks and gums don’t block the x-rays. The different ways that the tissues absorb the x-rays gives us the final picture.
X-ray images are a critical aid in diagnosing dental problems. Without the assistance of x-rays, the dentist is pretty much just “in the dark”. The dentist uses them to:
- Identify decay in hard-to-reach areas, especially in between the teeth. These x-rays are called bitewings and are taken at least annually.
- Spot cracked or damaged fillings
- Monitor growth in young smiles
- Evaluate gum disease by registering changes in the height of the bone surrounding the teeth
- Plan restorative procedures, like implant placement
- Diagnose oral cancer, cysts or other growths within the jaw bone
But traditional X-ray technology is notorious for creating small, blurry images that have to be developed by harsh chemicals and stored somewhere for later reference.
But traditional X-ray methods aren’t the only game in town anymore.
& Boyd is embracing the future with digital X-ray technology. Digital X-ray technology makes it possible to produce sharper, clearer images with much less radiation. Digital X-ray images have much greater resolution and can be displayed on a computer screen, where they can also be highlighted and enlarged. We have the latest in digital x-ray software as well, so we can change the contrast of the pictures, make measurements and the most recent x-rays can easily compared with previous X-rays.
But the biggest benefit for patients is a significant reduction in radiation exposure. Although dental x-rays traditionally have used very small amounts of x-rays to create the image on traditional film, digital x-rays take it to a new level. It’s estimated that digital radiography exposes patients to as much as 80% less radiation during a single session. Digital x-rays are the future now. They provide much sharper images with much less radiation. It’s a win/ win for everyone!