What are digital radiographs?

 

Technology has evolved rapidly in the medical field, and luckily there are fantastic ways to ensure the health of your child’s smile. One of those ways is through digital radiographs. Digital radiographs are a diagnostic tool used to provide more details about your child’s teeth, as well as the bones and tissues of their mouth.

​

Digital radiographs afford many advantages over traditional x-rays.  Radiographs (x-ray pictures) allow dentists to diagnose and treat problems not yet visible to the naked eye, including early tooth decay, gum disease, abscesses, abnormal growths and abnormal tooth development

Since x-rays first became available a century ago, this diagnostic tool has saved countless teeth and led to fuller, healthier smiles. State-of-the-art digital x-rays have made the technology even safer and more beneficial.

 

Digital radiographs reduce radiation exposure by over 75 percent, as well as provide more details and clearer imaging for earlier and better diagnoses.

​

Early detection equals cost savings.

​

This imaging resource is used for early detection and diagnosis of mouth-related issues, including:

• Tooth decay and cavities

• Extra teeth

• Missing Teeth

• Teeth growth and eruption patterns

• Orthodontic Problems

• Impacted teeth

• Gum disease

• Tumors

• Cysts

​

Digital xrays help the environment.

​

Digital imaging eliminates the need for film and processing chemicals that generate bio-hazardous waste, making digital radiographs more environmentally-friendly than traditional x-rays.

​

When should my child have xrays?

​

Every patient is different and a child’s needs may differ. We try to get radiographs as early as possible for early detection. This is usually around age 3 or 4. If cavities are developing, we may recommend taking xrays sooner. After our initial xrays, we recommend xrays every 6 to 18 months depending on your child's needs.

 

A pediatric dentist may want to get digital radiographs every two to three years to monitor the progress of your child’s tooth development. If a dentist detects an issue or suspects an issue may arise in the future, they could order digital radiographs to monitor these issues.

If your child’s pediatric dentist has requested your child receive digital radiographs, it is important to get these done. These images can be crucial to the continued care of your child’s smile. If you have any other questions, please contact Harrisburg Pediatric Dentistry.