Digital X-Rays
Advanced imaging for accurate diagnosis
At Copley Dental, we use the latest digital X-ray technology to provide superior diagnostic capabilities while ensuring your safety and comfort. Digital radiography represents a significant advancement over traditional film-based X-rays, offering instant viewing and dramatically reduced radiation exposure.
Advantages of Digital X-Rays
Dramatically Reduced Radiation
Digital X-rays use up to 90% less radiation than traditional film X-rays, making them extremely safe for patients of all ages, including children.
Instant Results
Images appear on the computer screen immediately, eliminating the 5-10 minute wait time associated with film development and processing.
Enhanced Image Quality
Digital images can be enhanced, enlarged, adjusted for contrast and brightness, and manipulated to provide superior diagnostic information.
Environmentally Friendly
No toxic chemicals are needed for processing, eliminating chemical waste and making digital X-rays better for the environment.
Easy Storage and Sharing
Digital images are stored electronically in your patient record and can be easily shared with specialists, insurance companies, or other dentists.
Better Patient Education
Large, clear images can be displayed chairside on our monitors to help patients better understand their dental condition and treatment needs.
What Digital X-Rays Detect
Our advanced digital imaging can detect problems that aren't visible during a regular dental examination:
Types of Digital X-Rays We Use
Intraoral X-Rays
- ✔ Bitewing X-rays: Show upper and lower teeth in one area, perfect for detecting cavities
- ✔ Periapical X-rays: Show the entire tooth from crown to root tip for comprehensive evaluation
- ✔ Occlusal X-rays: Show the floor of the mouth or roof of the mouth for structural assessment
Extraoral X-Rays
- ✔ Panoramic X-rays: Show the entire mouth in a single comprehensive image
- ✔ Cephalometric X-rays: Show the entire head profile for orthodontic treatment planning
- ✔ CBCT Scans: 3D imaging for complex cases requiring detailed analysis
Safety and Radiation Exposure
Digital X-rays are extremely safe. The amount of radiation exposure from digital dental X-rays is minimal - less than the amount you would receive during a cross-country airplane flight or a day at the beach.
Our Safety Protocols
- ✔ Digital sensors reduce radiation by up to 90%
- ✔ Lead aprons and thyroid collars provided
- ✔ Equipment regularly inspected and calibrated
- ✔ X-rays taken only when diagnostically necessary
- ✔ Pregnancy screening before X-rays
X-Ray Frequency Guidelines
- ✔ New patients: Comprehensive set to establish baseline
- ✔ Low risk patients: Bitewing X-rays every 18-36 months
- ✔ High risk patients: Bitewing X-rays every 6-18 months
- ✔ Children: More frequent due to rapid development
- ✔ Orthodontic patients: As needed for treatment planning
Digital vs. Traditional X-Rays
| Feature | Digital X-Rays | Traditional Film X-Rays |
|---|---|---|
| Radiation Exposure | 90% less radiation | Higher radiation dose |
| Processing Time | Instant viewing | 5-10 minutes development |
| Image Quality | Enhanced and adjustable | Fixed quality, can fade over time |
| Storage | Digital files, never lost | Physical film storage required |
| Environmental Impact | No chemicals needed | Toxic chemical processing required |
| Patient Education | Large screen display | Small film viewing |
What to Expect During Your X-Ray
The digital X-ray process is quick, comfortable, and completely painless:
Digital X-rays are so safe that we can take them as often as needed for your treatment. The radiation exposure is equivalent to what you'd receive from natural background radiation in just a few days of normal living.
Experience Advanced Digital Imaging
Our state-of-the-art digital X-ray technology provides superior diagnostics with minimal radiation exposure, helping us detect problems early and provide the best possible care.
Schedule Your Digital X-Ray