Safe Digital X-Rays in Kingsport, TN
At Hagan Dentistry, we believe it is our duty to provide you with the best possible care by using updated dental technology that makes your treatment safe and comfortable and ensures optimal oral health.
Digital x-rays are one type of technology we use to keep your family’s teeth strong and healthy. Film x-rays have been a useful tool for decades, but we believe that digital x-rays are superior for both health and practical reasons.
State-of-the-Art Digital X-Rays
With a traditional x-ray, a small piece of equipment called a bitewing is positioned in your mouth. This is the film for the x-ray, and it absorbs radiation to produce an image of your teeth.
With a digital x-ray, we place a similar flat sensor in your mouth, which looks like the film used for a traditional x-ray. The sensor is electronic, however, not film.
We focus the beam of radiation precisely in the area of the tooth we’re treating. The sensor captures highly detailed images of the tooth, and the information is then sent electronically to a computer where it is stored digitally.
Dr. Hagan firmly believes that it is necessary to include you in planning your treatment, and digital x-rays allow us to do that. We can both view the image on a computer monitor, and Dr. Hagan can zoom in, highlight, and even rotate the image. Seeing for yourself what the problem is helps you understand our findings and the treatment plan we recommend.
Advantages of Digital Imaging
As you can see, there are distinct advantages to digital x-rays, including increased comfort, improved diagnostics, and the ability to share our findings with you. But the benefits don’t stop there:
- The amount of radiation to which your exposed with digital x-rays is small compared to film x-rays. Estimates vary, but digital x-rays expose patients to as much as 80% less radiation.
- This precise image makes it easier for us to accurately diagnose and plan your treatment while giving you a detailed picture of the problem and how proposed treatment will help. Since digital images are stored electronically, they are readily available if needed in the future. Dr. Hagan can easily review your history and monitor certain conditions or treatments.
- Images can be securely sent electronically to specialists and insurance providers when necessary, creating less hassle for you.
- Digital images are safer for the environment than film x-rays because no chemicals are required.
Call to Schedule Your Next Exam
Digital x-rays have changed the way we diagnose problems and improve treatment outcomes. If you would like more information about the need for digital x-rays, please contact our Kingsport, TN dental office, and we will be happy to arrange a convenient exam.