What Are the Types of Digital X-rays?
Digital X-rays can be taken both intraorally (inside) or extraorally (outside) the mouth. Intraoral digital X-rays help identify cavities and other issues of the teeth and bone. They provide a lot of detail and therefore are used to assess the health of individual teeth.
Extraoral digital X-rays, such as a panoramic X-ray that rotates around the head for a full image of the jaw, offer less detail and are used more for overall structural issues with the jaw and facial bones. They can also identify impacted teeth.
Are Digital X-rays Safe?
Digital X-rays do not produce a lot of radiation. In fact, they emit far less radiation than traditional dental X-rays, approximately 80-90 percent less. We also use protective lead aprons to protect you from any radiation to ensure the levels actually experienced are negligible. Pregnant women can safely receive four digital X-rays per visit.