Ian Shuman, DDS
General, reconstructive, and aesthetic dentistry

Do you have fond childhood memories of a big lead shield draped over your body as you bit down on a thin, sharp x-ray that cut the roof of your mouth or the underside of your tongue? That scenario is now a distant memory, thanks to the invention of digital radiography and computerization. Patients still have to open wide, but the dental film has been replaced by a smooth electronic sensor and the lead shield is now made of space age materials that weigh less your average fall coat. 

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In addition, with this new technology, the x-ray images come up on the computer screen in seconds allowing the dentist and patient to see the x-ray without the wait for chemical darkroom processing. This latest advancement in technology lets dentists take fantastic computerized x-rays of your teeth and mouth with 90% less radiation! This allows us to better diagnose and find potential problems before they develop into costly and painful dental emergencies. That makes Computerized Digital Dental X-Rays safer, better, faster and smarter than conventional chemically processed x-rays.

 

Safer: Computerized Digital Dental X-Rays are safer because patients can receive the necessary care without unnecessary radiation. X-rays play an invaluable role in the diagnosis of dental problems, but many people are concerned about exposure to x-ray radiation. Computerized Digital Dental X-Rays eliminates these worries because it requires 90% less radiation than conventional film x-rays.

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Better: Computerized Digital Dental X-Rays are better because they are as accurate as conventional x-rays and can reveal things film cannot. The digital image can be magnified 300 times its normal size to enhance diagnosis, manipulated to correct contrast and color-adjusted to reveal hidden problems.

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Faster: Computerized Digital Dental X-Rays are faster because the images are instantaneous. No time is wasted processing and mounting x-ray film. So the dental staff spends less time in the dark room and more time with you, discussing the health of your teeth. That means shorter appointments for you, the patient.

Smarter: Computerized Digital Dental X-Rays are smarter because no harmful chemicals are used in processing the images and therefore, no chemicals are disposed of, keeping the environment healthy and safe. Less waste means money saved. Additionally, Computerized Dental x-rays are covered under your basic x-ray benefits, so there no reduction in your insurance benefits!

 

XRAYS - HOW OFTEN? 

Not everyone needs to have x-rays taken every year. Only your dentist can say how often you need them. It is recommended that your dentist prescribe the appropriate type, number and frequency of x-rays based on your needs. In most cases, new patients require a full set of x-rays to evaluate their oral health status, including any underlying signs of gum disease and for future comparison. Follow-up patients require x- rays to monitor their gum condition and their teeth for decay. In any case, Computerized Digital Dental X-Rays have made the entire process a lot safer and easier than the old days.

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