Digital radiography uses an electronic sensor rather than traditional photographic film to capture and store dental images on a computer. The images can then be viewed almost instantly on a computer or printed out. The images are available instantly and can be enhanced or enlarged if needed.

Digital X-rays are used to obtain detailed images and highly precise images of the patient's teeth, jaws, and other structures in their mouth to diagnose tooth decay and other issues and guide their treatment plan.

What Do Digital X-rays Reveal?

Digital X-rays reveal much more than traditional X-rays. They allow your dental team to see your teeth and oral structures more clearly. This clarity helps them identify any problems that might be hidden beneath the surface of the teeth.

Digital X-rays can reveal the following:

• Abscesses or cysts
• Bone loss
• Cancerous and non-cancerous growths and tumors
• Decay present in between the teeth
• Developmental abnormalities of the teeth
• Fractures in existing dental fillings
• Poor tooth and root positions
• Problems or infection inside a tooth, tooth nerve, or below the gum line

Benefits of Digital X-rays Over Traditional X-rays

Digital X-rays work just like a traditional X-ray machine, but the images are sent straight to a computer instead of being developed on film. Digital X-rays are safer for patients because they expose patients to less radiation. Plus, there's no need for film development, which means patients can get their X-rays done faster and spend less time in the dentist's chair.

In short, digital X-rays provide the following benefits over traditional X-rays:

• Digital X-rays produce instant results. With traditional X-rays, the films must be developed in a dark room. This can take several minutes, especially in crowded offices. Digital X-rays produce results in just seconds, allowing for faster treatment times. 
• Digital X-rays provide a much higher resolution than traditional X-rays. This allows for a more accurate diagnosis and makes it easier to detect problem areas in your teeth.
• Digital X-rays use 90% less radiation than traditional X-rays.
• Patients can see the x-ray in real-time, making it easier for them to understand the extent of their dental health. After an x-ray is taken, the image is instantly projected onto a screen. 

At Kusek Family & Implant Dentistry, we offer a full range of services, including cosmetic and implant dentistry in a relaxed dental environment. To learn more about our dental services or to schedule your consultation with one of our dentists, call us at 605-371-3443 or visit us at 4921 E. 26th St., Suite 1, Sioux Falls, SD 57110.