For over 100 years, the utilization of x-rays in dental care has provided dentists and patients alike with a way to see tooth decay, bone issues, and other unseen problems from the inside. There are, however, drawbacks to the radiation necessary for this inside view; in addition, the technological limitations of printable x-ray sheets are evident in the low-quality and timely upload and download times. All of that has changed very recently with the advent of digital x-rays, and our Missoula dentist is proud to have made the switch for the betterment of our patients.
The Perks of Digital
Similar to standard cameras and video recorders, x-rays are also switching away from old-fashioned film, opting instead for digital imaging. This technology allows for a number of benefits for patients and dentists alike, including:
- Images are immediately processed, uploaded, and available in a permanent database
- 70 to 80 percent less exposure to radiation is necessary, keeping our patients far safer
- The images have better resolution, allowing for more accurate and dynamic diagnostics
- Photos are naturally larger, allowing for the ability to “zoom in” and detect potential issues earlier
- Vastly improved intra-oral (inside the mouth) photos
Perhaps the largest benefit is in the ability for dentists to quickly and easily look at in-depth images at varying sizes, brightnesses, and contrast elements, allowing for greatly improved power of confirmation in any diagnosis. At Bitterroot Dental, your dentist is able to show you highly defined images of your teeth and gums and highlight troubling areas right before your eyes. No more waiting for 10 to 20 minutes for images to process, we are able to give you a prognosis almost immediately.
