Digital dental X-rays provide your dentist with a convenient, quick, and safer way to examine your teeth. During a traditional X-ray, you would have to sit uncomfortably in a large device with the film placed in your mouth. With digital X-rays, your dentist can simply place the sensor in your mouth. 

A cone-shaped sensor is used to detect the amount of radiation required to capture an image of your teeth. This sensor is about the same size as the dental wand and is much more comfortable, too.

Are Dental X-Rays Safe?

Dental X-rays are totally safe. In fact, they’re even safer than traditional X-rays. Digital dental X-rays use 90% less radiation than traditional X-rays. In addition, digital dental X-rays emit 90% less radiation than your cell phone.

How Do Dental X-Rays Work?

The digital X-ray machine sends X-rays taken of the mouth structures to a computer that displays the images. This way, the dentist can immediately see a highly detailed image of the patient’s teeth.

The digital X-ray machine and the computer work together to produce this image. The digital X-ray machine sends a beam through the patient’s mouth. This beam bounces off of the patient’s teeth. The digital X-ray machine then picks up the reflection of the beam of the teeth. The computer receives this reflected projection and turns it into a highly detailed image of the mouth.

What Are the Benefits of Dental X-Rays?

X-rays can help our dentist find dental problems that are hiding between your teeth and under your gums. They can also show dental issues or decay that cannot be seen otherwise and give us a clear picture of the inside of your mouth. With this, we can diagnose dental problems at their earliest stages when treatment is simpler and more affordable.

How Often Should Dental X-Rays Be Performed?

Dental X-rays are a crucial component of preventative dental care. They allow your dentist to detect tooth decay, bone loss, tooth infections, mouth cancer, and other oral health issues before they become serious.

Typically, dental X-rays are only needed once per year. However, depending on your needs, your dentist may request additional X-rays. For example, if you suffer from gum disease, your dentist may order X-rays more often. Additionally, your dentist may order X-rays more frequently if you’re at an increased risk of oral cancer.

To learn more about our dental options, you can call Orthodontist in Salt Lake City, UT from your nearest location. We will be happy to help.