Digital x-ray Technology

How North Haven Dentists Reduces Radiation Exposure From Patient X-rays

Film x-rays have been used in dentistry for decades. In the past few years many forward thinking dentists like Dr. Aruri have invested in digital x-ray technology. Film x-rays cost a bit less than digital x-rays but the long term exposure to film x-rays can be very harmful to a patient’s overall health. Our digital x-ray uses as much as 85% less radiation than traditional x-ray technology.

Why North Haven Dentists Invested In Digital X-ray Technology?

We are not only able to reduce your exposure to radiation but also increase the diagnostic proficiency. In addition to increased diagnostics we reduce the amount of harmful chemicals and other waste materials associated with traditional x-ray technology. The reduction in waste was a big consideration when deciding to invest in digital technology. We pride ourselves in being ‘green’ and environmentally responsible.

What Do Dental X-Rays Show?

Although we perform a thorough visual inspection of every aspect of your smile, the only way to see the deeper structures of the teeth, as well as the surrounding tissues and bone, is with dental x-rays or radiographs. Diagnostic x-rays not only reveal the presence of dental disease, but they also provide valuable information on the development, health, and integrity of teeth and orofacial structures.

Thanks to advances in technology, x-rays have entered the digital age. Instead of using traditional film-based methods, which involved long-exposure times and developing solutions, digital x-ray images can now be acquired, stored, and managed via digital sensors and integrated software programs.

Digital radiography offers several benefits to the patient, including the following:

• Quicker with minimal exposure to x-ray radiation
• Images can be viewed immediately after acquisition
• Images can be electronically shared
• Digital radiographs do not require any developing chemicals, create less waste, and are safer for the environment
• Images are immediately stored immediately in the patient's electronic file, where they can be easily viewed on a screen, shared, or printed out.

What Are the Different Types of Dental X-Rays?

The type of diagnostic images our office will recommend depends on the nature of your visit and your oral healthcare needs.

Here's a list of some of the most common diagnostic films along and the value of these images:

• Periapical x-ray - This small film is typically taken of an individual tooth and provides a view of the entire tooth from the top of the crown to the tip of the root and bone adjacent to it.
• Bitewing x-ray - This small film captures detailed views of the crowns of the premolars or molars and is typically used to check for dental decay.
• Full Mouth Series - This set of x-rays consists of bitewing and periapical views of all the teeth.
• Panoramic Film (panorex) - This film provides a 2D panoramic view of all the teeth and the left and right sides of the jaw. It offers a view of erupted teeth, developing teeth, impacted teeth, and allows an assessment of the health and integrity of the jawbone.
• Cephalometric Film - This film provides a profile view of the face and jaws and is often used by orthodontists to assess a patient's skeletal facial and jaw growth.

Today, it's also possible to capture detailed three-dimensional images for diagnostic purposes, treatment planning, and the delivery of care. By using Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) your dentist can acquire, analyze, and reconstruct 3D images of a patient's teeth, jaws, and surrounding anatomy. This technology is often employed for diagnosis, surgical planning, treatment, and the accurate placement of dental implants.