Advances in the Technology of Dental X-Rays
There are numerous types of dental x-rays. Advances in digital radiographs and 3-D rendering, intraoral cameras, and digital x-ray technology in general have only added to the mix.
Following are a couple of advances in the technology of dental x-rays that patients and dentists alike appreciate.
Dental X-Rays and Radiation
A long-standing concern of many patients is the amount of radiation they may be exposed to when visiting the dentist. And, rightly so. You're covered with what feels like a heavy metal jacket and you're instructed not to move while this out-of-space looking camera takes pictures of the inside of your mouth.
The whole process can seem unnerving and unhealthy. However, recent advances in the technology of dental x-rays obliterate this concern. The film speed has been improved. This means that less radiation is needed to expose it. Hence, less exposure for patients.
Digital Radiographs: The New Dental Technology Kid on the Block
Digital radiographs are one of the recent advancements in dental x-ray techniques. These allow dentists to send film images directly to a computer, instead of waiting for them to be developed in a dark room. With digital radiographs, film is replaced with a flat pad or sensor, which is electronic.
The x-ray then strikes this electronic pad in much the same way that it had hit the previously used film. Once the x-ray hits the pad, the image is transported to a computer, appearing as if by magic on the screen.
This advancement in digital x-rays is so new that many dentist offices don't even have it yet. But, they will. Digital radiographs are the wave of the future in dental x-ray technology.
Author: Yuwanda Black
© 2008 Associated Content