Digital X-rays are faster and more efficient than traditional radiographs. First, an electronic sensor or phosphor plate (instead of film) is placed in the patient’s mouth to capture the image. The digital image is then relayed or scanned to a computer, where it is available for viewing. The procedure is much faster than processing conventional film.
Your dentist can also store digital images on the computer and compare them with previous or future images to see how your dental health is being maintained.
And because the sensor and phosphor plates are more sensitive to X-rays than film is, the radiation dose is significantly reduced.
Digital X-rays have many uses besides finding cavities. They also help look at the bone below the teeth to determine if the bone level of support is good. Dentists can use the X-rays to check the placement of an implant — a titanium screw-like device that is inserted into the jawbone so that an artificial tooth can be attached.
Digital X-rays also help endodontists — dentists who specialize in root canals — to see if they have performed the procedure properly.
