A long time ago, in a galaxy far far away, dentists would use x-rays to see what was going on inside our pearly whites. Today, x-rays are starting to take their place next to cassette tapes and VCRs as digital images steal the spotlight. And for good reason: Among other advantages, digital images are a much cleaner, greener way to go.

To take an x-ray, the dentist places a square piece of film in our mouth, which is like trying to fit a square peg in a round hole, while we hold real still and get doused with little bits of radiation. Then the dentist or the dental assistant disappears for a bit while the x-rays are processed. They then return with the x-ray in hand to show us what not brushing after every meal has done to us. With digital imaging, the dentist places a simple sensor in our mouth, takes a “picture”, and voila! Everything you ever wanted to know about your teeth pops up on the computer screen in seconds, with our precious selves exposed to a fraction of the radiation.

Now for the real improvement: Traditional film x-rays require an x-ray machine, x-ray film, developer and fixer (both chemicals), lead foil and lead shields. Stay with me here… fixer contains silver and is considered hazardous. The developer is not considered hazardous unless it gets mixed with the fixer. The x-ray developer cleaner may contain Chromium, which is also considered hazardous. Not to mention the lead in the lead aprons and shields. Yikes! I feel contaminated just writing this! Now add all that hazardous waste up and remember that it needs to be disposed of. Somewhere. Somehow.

Other advantages of digital use include:

• No more waiting for x-rays to be “processed”.
• We are subjected to less radiation. No two-headed offspring for us!
• Easy manipulation of the image, such as enlarging it, adjusting contrast and brightness and ability to improve a not-so-great image without having to retake the x-ray.
• Ability to email or place the x-ray on a disc. Great use if you are being referred to a specialist or move out of state.

Not every dentist out there has become a convert of the digital image just yet, and possibly for good reason. After all, it can cost thousands of dollars to make the switch from film to digital imaging and some dentists are perfectly happy with their old technology. But, if you’re a fan of Mother Earth, keep digital technology in mind when searching for a dentist and reading dentist reviews on DoctorBase.