Dr. Melanie Parker and our staff rely on digital X-rays to help us diagnose oral conditions and process images at incredibly high speeds. That's why we're excited about our new digital X-ray machine, a Planmeca Promax 3D! This will help us to provide better, safer, diagnosis.
How safe are dental X-rays?
They emit 80 percent less radiation than exposure-type X-rays and provide detailed images to improve diagnosis and treatment. We can now detect dental problems in their earliest stages without subjecting you to unnecessary radiation. The amount of radiation released by digital X-rays is “negligible,” which means the amount is so small, that it can be safely disregarded.
Safe enough for children and pregnant women, digital X-rays detect microscopic pitting in tooth enamel and other abnormalities in the oral tissues that might have remained undetected with traditional X-rays. When Dr. Melanie Parker and our staff discover dental caries in their earliest stages, we can initiate treatment measures that will effectively prevent cavity development, tooth decay, and potential tooth loss.
Patient appointment lengths are shortened with digital X-rays as well, because images are immediately viewable and do not require the exposure time associated with old-style X-rays.
How Digital X-Rays Differ from Traditional X-Rays
Instead of using cardboard-contained film, we insert a small sensing device about the size of a pen in your mouth and engage the digital X-ray machine by manually manipulating control buttons. Within seconds, images appear on the monitor that can later be stored in your file or sent to another doctor for further examination.
The increased resolution afforded by digital X-rays means that patients are able to understand their dental issues better, and are more inclined to follow through with procedures recommended by Dr. Melanie Parker.
Visit our Facebook page for more pictures of our team training to use the Planmeca Promax 3D, and ask Dr. Parker and our team if you have any questions about your dental X-rays!