There’s so much talk about cell phone radiation, along with that generated by Wi-Fi routers and similar devices, that it’s easy to forget what used to worry people most. That is, previously, x ray machines were quite worrying to the general population.
Dental x rays, in particular, drew a lot of attention. However, even with modern advancements in technology, providing things like 3D imaging, some clinics stick to the traditional x ray machines.
Many scientists say that the radiation from these machines isn’t something people should raise too much concern over. But, you might want to read ahead and find out why the opposite just might be true.
Improving Oral Health
The most important step in any oral health treatment option is proper diagnosis. Without it, any further steps taken to improve a patient’s situation might be incorrect and cause serious harm.
X ray machines are, of course, one of the previously most common ways to find particularities in the bone and dental structures. Contrast and differences in opacity help dentists determine or detect density, malformations, and other issues that might require treatment.
Dental X Rays
While dental x rays provide easy access to otherwise inaccessible diagnostic information, they present one serious problem. They emit an amount of radiation that can potentially cause serious harm. This is true for both dentists and patients.
Dentists are, in fact, more at risk than patients. This is because they have more frequent exposure on a daily and weekly basis. Radiation becomes exponentially more problematic when it’s allowed exposure over longer periods of time.
Digital X Rays and 3D Imaging
3D imaging and digital x rays step in to quell some of the concerns surrounding radiation from x ray machines. Digital radiography, specifically, provides the same information as traditional x rays with many more benefits.
First, digital x rays use 90% less radiation. And, while they’re safer, they also let dentists capture and share the results immediately. They can share results via messenger, email, or even text messages.
Digital x rays are also environmentally friendly. It’s hard to argue against using a technique that reduces appointment duration and even provides better image results! Best of all, perhaps, is that they don’t even require chemicals.
For topical scans, dentists can use 3D imaging with equipment like the Aoralscan intraoral scanner. While it doesn’t provide imagery of bone or subcutaneous tissue, it’s becoming vital to diagnostics. Dentists can use it to compile 3D images on a computer, making it easier to analyze and put together a plan of action for a patient.
Adopting Cutting-edge Dentistry
Traditional dental x rays are on their way out. Digital iterations are taking over, and they’re providing a ton of benefits for patients and dentists alike. Digital x rays are now a safer and more effective alternative. At the same time, 3D imaging is making it easier for dental professionals to build a digital profile of their patient’s mouths. It’s an innovation that the professional Dentist in Murray Hill is adopting for their patients.
All of these new methods are making dental care more approachable for professionals and patients alike. Of course, it requires that clinics invest in the right equipment, and learn how to use it properly.
Hopefully, this article provided you with some useful information on dental x rays. If it did, consider taking a look at some of the other content on the site!
Andrea Parker is a reporter for Zobuz. She previously worked at Huffington Post and Vanity Fair. Andrea is based in NYC and covers issues affecting her city. In addition to her severe coffee addiction, she’s a Netflix enthusiast, a red wine drinker, and a voracious reader.
