In the past, to build up an accurate 3D impression of a patient’s mouth, a dentist would have to take several time-consuming and uncomfortable dental moulds, as well as more conventional x-rays. These x-rays would need to be processed in the traditional way, which would also take a few more days. All of this added to treatment time and the number of appointments required by the patient.
With advancement in dental technology, one of the most impressive and useful new tools is the digital x-ray. Digital x-rays, also known as digital radiography uses sensors instead of normal photographic film. Images are transferred digitally which cuts out the lengthy developing process needed for photographic film. The digital sensors capture an image of the patient’s mouth and it is then immediately available on the computer for the dentist to study. It can also be saved onto the hard drive in the patient’s case history.
This ability to view 3D images of the patient’s teeth instantly has made possible a whole range of further treatments. The microscopic accuracy of the x=rays has also helped improve the quality and efficiency of the treatment process. But perhaps most incredibly, digital x-rays form part of a larger computer aided manufacture and design process that allows dentists to carry out dental procedures that previously took weeks, in only a matter of hours. This revolution in dentistry was all made possible by the use of instant digital x-rays.
City of Leeds dentists are currently using digital x-rays to vastly improve the treatment and comfort of patients. Ask a dentist at your next check up how digital x-rays could be used to improve your dental treatment.
Tags: Digital x-rays
