Digital X-Ray

Digital X-rays offer dentists advanced technology to view the internal structures of your mouth more comfortably and with less radiation than traditional imaging scans. At Frontier Family Dental in Graham, Washington, Seung Jae (David) Joung, DMD, invests in high-quality digital X-rays to provide patients with the safest, most accurate care available. Call the dental practice today or schedule an appointment online to learn more about digital X-rays.

What are digital X-rays?

A digital X-ray is a form of radiography that instantly displays images onto a computer. Similar to digital cameras, these X-rays can capture dozens of images in minutes. These devices use X-ray-sensitive plates that immediately capture each image and send it to your dentist’s computer, where it produces high-quality images.

How are digital X-rays different from traditional X-rays?

Traditional and digital X-rays use similar technology to produce images that allow your dentist to see underlying bones and tissues in your mouth. However, digital X-rays are safer, more cost-effective, and more efficient than their predecessor. 

During a traditional X-ray, your dentist or dental hygienist places a large lead apron over your body and sharp pieces of film encased in plastic in your mouth. The apron often feels heavy and uncomfortable, while biting down on hard pieces of film can be painful for some.

Digital X-rays eliminate the discomfort of traditional imaging scans. The test is fast, noninvasive, and requires no preparation. You and your dentist can see the images immediately on an outside computer screen, rather than waiting to develop the film.

What are the uses for digital X-rays?

Digital X-rays can highlight areas of damage and decay, exposing the underlying bone and tissue for better diagnostics and treatment planning. A digital X-ray can help uncover:

• Bone recession
• Tooth decay
• Jaw and facial tumors
• Tooth alignment
• Fractures
• Structural abnormalities

Your dentist may use digital X-rays to monitor existing conditions or plan future treatments. 

What can I expect from digital X-rays?

The process for digital X-rays is similar to that of their traditional counterparts. When you arrive, you sit in your dentist’s chair. Next, your dentist or dental hygienist places a small sensor (rather than plastic bitewings) in your mouth to capture images of your underlying tooth structures.

Most digital X-rays take images from 18 angles for a complete view of your upper and lower jawbone. The entire process takes only a few minutes, and processing the images takes seconds. Your dentist can modify the contrast, size, and brightness of the images to gather a clear picture of your dental health.

Unlike traditional X-rays, your dentist can store your images digitally. They can send these scans to specialists and refer back to them at a later date.

Call Frontier Family Dental today or schedule an appointment online to learn more about digital X-rays.