"Digital" x-ray equipment at the dentist's?

Question

How does this thing work? Why does it release less amount of X-ray than the traditional X-ray thing? Is it 100% safe?

Answer 1

There is typically less exposure (radiation) needed for digital x-rays than standard film. The higher speed the film, however, the less radiation. So, in comparing digital imaging with film, there may be 50% less or 90% less depending on the speed of the film it is replacing.

In addition, there is no chemical processing solutions, so it is much healthier for the technicians who would be developing the film, cleaning the equipment, draining and replacing the solutions, etc.

I can't explain technically how it works, but basically a sensor is placed in the mouth and works the way film does - it captures the image as the x-ray head shoots a tiny amount of radiaiton through your tooth. It then creates a digital image which is captured by a unit on the computer and instantly shows the picture on screen. It can then be maipulated by the dentist - colorized, enhanced, enlarged, etc. Regular films can't do this.

The amount of radiation from a dental x-ray is less than you would get walking down the street. Unless they are excessive or you have a past history of exposure to radiation, they are MUCH safer than not having them and getting a raging infection from a decayed tooth.

Answer 2

ok i'm a dental assistant they could do 2 x-rays stated as chew wings if its been awhile in view that he has been to the dentist because they cant encounter a hollow area which will be in between the surfaces of the enamel properly with out it. As for the 2d appointment I even do not understand why the dentist wouldt examine them precise a fashion thats strange to me. They don't have purely assumed you want a cleansing even even with the undeniable fact that it really is a good concept you could were requested. you could request no x-rays yet they cant be particular about the outcomes then and also you could continuously accept extra then one clinical care selection and in no way sense obligated to do something. even even with the undeniable fact that saving your organic enamel is often ideal. also when you're woried about the about of radiation it might take about 350 mouth x-rays to equivalent a million chest x-ray if its executed with digital radiography or perhaps the former way is really constrained believe me they're keep sufficient that i'd divulge my newborn to the very small volume of radiation. there is probablly no desire for a whole mouth sequence of x-rays even with the undeniable fact that so i'd spend the 20-30 funds on both pictures purely to be danger-free. one extra element they'd favor a 2d appointment to do the surely fillings.

Answer 3

I am a "X-ray Tech". Digital images are basically like your digital cameras versus the old school camera/film. They are made up of pixels too.
I can't answer the radiation part, as each xray unit/brand/set up is all unique.
In my experiences, you actually are using more radiation to make the image in order to penetrate the image receptor, (in digital)than the more sensitive film of the tradtional xray.
No radiation is never 100% safe. You have to weigh out the risk/benefit of the procedure - what is better avoiding a tiny amount of radiation - or letting your teeth rot out of your head? LOL
The amount of radiation is very minimal - nothing to be afraid of. Just ask to be sheilded.
You shouldn't worry about it - we are very safe now a days.

Answer 4

AprilC and emmalue have given authoritative answers. A digital x-ray will use far less radiation, exactly as emmalue states. They can make sensors a lot more sensitive than they can make film, apparently.

Answer 5

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