Conventional radiology introduced us to the x-ray way back in 1895.
How do X-Rays Work?
Because x-rays go through most objects but are absorbed differently by different materials, you can create a kind of picture of what’s inside the object. For the human body, most soft tissue lets x-rays right through, however hard tissue like bones and teeth absorb more x-rays. This allows us in dentistry to see if bones are broken, teeth are infected or decayed or simply growing in wrong. You can read more about the facts about dental x-rays.
When are X-Rays Necessary
X-rays are necessary every couple of years to make sure there is nothing hidden that is bad going on in your mouth as part of your regular checkup. They are also necessary for dental emergencies, so we can see what’s really going on and to develop a treatment.
We need to know if anything is happening with your teeth roots below the gum, inside the tooth with decay, or whether a bad tooth is growing in wrong and finally if there is an infection under the tooth root or around the tooth, called an abscess.
Why are Digital X-Rays better than Conventional X-Rays
We have been relying on conventional x-rays for many decades since it’s inception. However, in the 1980’s, digital x-rays were invented and within a couple of decades of technological refinement, became widely available to dentists.
When we compare the old x-rays with Digital x-rays, digital x-rays win in every comparison.
The main difference between the two is how the image is stored. Old x-ray pictures had to be captured on film and needed a dark room for developing. Digital x-rays however, don’t need that and instead rely on sensors to store the x-ray image.
Here are the main advantages:
- They are way faster to process.
- They do not require any harmful chemicals to develop them.
- They require less radiation.
- They can be viewed immediately.
- They may be easily stored or duplicated on a computer.
Digital x-rays are initially expensive but they are cheaper and environmentally friendlier in the long run. So, let’s go digital! Simcoe Smile Dental is pleased to offer digital x-ray imaging to all our patients in our practice of Family and Cosmetic dentistry.