Are Digital X-Rays That Much Better Than Film? Yes!

By Arthur Kezian

Dentists have been using x-rays to spot issues for decades, and now, they've got a new tool that makes diagnosing problems even easier -- digital x-rays.

How do they work?

If your dentist uses digital X-Rays, he'll put digital sensors inside your mouth.  On the other end of those sensors is a wire that's connected to a computer.  As soon as the sensors take the pictures of your teeth, they're sent into the computer.  Instead of having to wait for them to be developed, you and your dentist can look at the x-rays immediately.

But are digital x-rays really worth all of the hype?  Are they really that much better than the traditional film x-rays? Yes!

Here's why:

1.      They offer clearer images

Because the equipment is so advanced, digital x-rays are clearer than what you'll see on any film.  They're also much less likely to get over- or under-exposed. 

But it's not all about looks. 

Having clearer x-rays makes it easier for your dentist to see the tiniest of problems.  And, the sooner he can spot issues, the easier it is for him to treat them.  That way, you don't have to worry about a small problem going undetected -- and turning into a big problem later!

2.      They can be enhanced

Just like the photos you take with your digital camera, digital x-rays can be enhanced inside your dentist's computer.  He can zoom in, adjust the brightness, or even adjust the contrast.

3.      They're more comfortable

If you're like most people, you hate biting down on those uncomfortable pieces of cardboard that help position your teeth for film x-rays.  Luckily, they're not needed when you get digital x-rays!

4.      They subject you to less radiation

Digital x-rays can be a whole lot more comfortable for your insides, too!  Traditional film x-rays don't emit a ton of radiation, but it's certainly more than you'd like to be exposed to.  Because the equipment is so much more sophisticated, digital x-rays can reduce the amount of radiation you're exposed to by 80%!

5.      They're easy to share

If your dentist uses traditional film x-rays, there's no easy way to share them.  If you need to have a specialist take a look at them, you'll have to get in your car, drive to your dentist's office, pick them up, and take them to your specialist's office. What a waste of time!

But since digital x-rays are stored as a file on your dentist's computer, sending them to a specialist is as easy as sending an email!

Dr. Arthur A. Kezian DDS 443 N. Larchmont Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90004 (323) 467-2777 

-N.S.

There is nothing to Fear about Dental X-rays for your Children

By Arthur Kezian

Are you scared or bothered when your child needs to have his/her x-rays done? Well, don’t be because it is okay. Dental X-rays are considered safe and okay.

Digital X-Rays have far less radiation than film X-Rays do and they are considered to be more safe. Exposing your children to a minimal amount of radiation is okay, just as long as standard safety precautions are taken, today's X-ray equipment usually eliminates unnecessary radiation and allows the dentist to focus the X-ray beam on a specific part of the mouth.

Sometimes when you hear someone mentioning the word “radiation”, it gives you an unpleasant feel and an array of negative images for most people. Radiation does not always conjure with the word cancer, bomb, and all kinds of negativity. Medical and dental professionals consider x-rays as beneficial for diagnosing and treating a wide variety of medical conditions.

What are Dental X-rays?

X-Rays are high-energy photons which take pictures of the teeth, bones, and its surrounding structures that have more energy and short wavelengths than ordinary visible light. It acts out as a diagnostic material for checking cavities in teeth, underlying dental structures such as bone defects and impacted wisdom teeth. X-Rays play an integral part in diagnosing a dental problem most especially structures that cannot be seen during a visual examination.

There is definitely nothing to fear about your child having X-Rays. If you have questions regarding this matter, feel free to ask about how helpful and useful X-Rays are when it comes to diagnosing medical and dental conditions. They will attend to you immediately and answer to all your questions regarding this matter.

Dr. Arthur A. Kezian DDS 443 N. Larchmont Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90004 (323) 467-2777 

-N.S.