Digital X-Rays Vs. Traditional X-Rays: What’s The Difference?

At Redmond Art of Dentistry, Dr. Daniel Bickel uses the latest in digital x-ray technology to provide the best patient care in Redmond.

Digital x-rays have a variety of benefits for patients, including decreased radiation exposure and faster diagnostic times. In this article, we’ll take a look at the differences between traditional, film-based x-rays and modern digital x-ray technology.

Traditional X-Rays

Traditional, film-based x-rays are the oldest form of x-ray technology, and they have been used successfully for decades. They are very similar to photographs. An x-ray is directed at a patient by a specialized device. Then, photographic film is used to capture the image, and it is analyzed by a doctor.

Traditional x-rays do have a number of advantages. First, they are very inexpensive, as they do not require advanced digital processing equipment. They also provide very high-resolution images, are very reliable, and have a low radiation load per-image (around 0.005 mSv, which is the equivalent of a two-hour plane ride).

However, film-based x-rays are not without their drawbacks. First, it takes a longer time to process film-based x-rays. The images must be developed, and this takes some time. Film-based x-rays also may require multiple images to be taken, if the position of the x-ray is incorrect.

Finally, traditional x-ray images cannot be easily manipulated, which can make it harder to identify difficult-to-detect dental problems.

Digital X-Rays

If film-based x-rays are comparable to film-based photographs, digital x-rays are comparable to digital photography. Digital x-rays use a specialized image sensor to capture x-rays, and display them on a digital device for analysis.

Many doctors, such as Dr. Daniel Bickel, are switching to digital x-rays, because they offer a variety of benefits compared to traditional x-rays. First, digital x-rays can be viewed almost instantly, whereas film-based x-rays require 5-10 minutes for photo development. This saves you time in the waiting room – and in the dentist’s chair!

Digital x-rays also expose patients to less radiation. While this depends on the x-ray system used, most digital x-ray systems reduce radiation exposure by up to 90%. A typical digital x-ray exposes you to about 0.0005 mSv, which is about the same as the radiation output of an airport full-body scanner.

Finally, digital x-rays are easier to view and manipulate using digital screens. Filters can be applied and specific areas can be zoomed in on – allowing for easier diagnosis of common dental problems.

Come To Redmond Art Of Dentistry Today For A Comprehensive Oral Exam!

If you’re interested in the benefits of digital radiography, Redmond Art of Dentistry is the place for you. Using advanced digital x-rays, Dr. Daniel Bickel can provide you with a comprehensive exam and better detect oral issues. Contact our Redmond dental office today at (425) 883-1331, or visit us at 16455 NE 85th St #101, Redmond, WA 98052.

LET US HELP YOU WITH YOUR DENTAL HEALTH!