Now a different technology called digital radiology or digital x-rays, is increasing in popularity amongst dentists. Not just have digital x-rays overcome the majority of the drawbacks of traditional x-rays, they have also turn into valuable diagnostic tool for dentists to assist maintain their patient's dental health.

1. Advantages of Digital X-Rays
Most people that have regularly gone to a dentist have at some point had x-rays made of their teeth.For many years
dentists made use of the same radiography ( x-ray) technology used in the medical profession. While this technology has
proven effective over the years, it possesses several significant drawbacks. Now a new technology.known as digital
radiology or digital x-rays, is growing in popularity amongst dentists. Not only have digital x-rays overcome many of the
drawbacks of traditional x-rays, they have also become a valuable diagnostic tool for dentists to help maintain their
patient’s oral health.
Traditional Radiography
Radiography is the use of electromagnetic radiation (x-rays) which passthrough non-uniformly composed material such
as the human body and expose x-ray sensitive film. The x-rays travel through these materials and expose the x-ray
sensitive film at different rates and in different concentrations due to differences in density and composition of bone, fat
and muscle. This film can then be developed to reveal an image, which dentists and doctors can use to diagnose a
patient.
Although x-rays are an invaluable diagnostic tool for doctors and dentists, they have several drawbacks. Because
traditional radiographyuses electromagnetic radiation to penetrate body tissue they expose patients to ionizing
radiation. This ionizing radiationcan damage DNA.Although the body’s cells repair most of the damage, they don’t

2. always repair the damage correctly, leading to imperfections in sections of DNA. The result is DNA mutations that may
contribute to cancer years down the road.In addition, once the x-ray film has been exposed it must be developed much
like regular camera film. Not only does developing the x-ray film take a fair amount of time it also requires the use of
dangerous and toxic chemicals which are bad for people and the environment.
Digital Radiography
Digital radiography uses a digital image capture device instead of traditional photographic x-ray film. This allows the x-
ray image to be available immediately,saving considerable time and eliminating the need of hazardous film processing
chemicals. In addition, these digital images can be transferred or enhanced, unlike traditional film radiography images,
therefore reducing the need for repeat images to be taken due to under or over exposure.
One of the most significant advantages of digital radiography, however, is that only it requires a fraction of the
electromagnetic radiation that traditional radiography does, greatly reducing the risk of DNA mutation and cancer. This
is especially important in dental applications because it significantly reduces radiation exposure to a person’s head,
which can be more susceptible to cancers resulting from radiation exposure.
The team at Rocky Mountain Dental Partners believes a great smile is priceless and everyone deserves the look and feel
that great smile can bring. For more information on Rocky Mountain Dental Partners, please call 720-238-2977 or visit
http://www.dentistsindenver.com.
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