Dental x-rays, also called radiographs, are basically two-dimensional images that show the tooth anatomy and bone in your mouth. There are two basic types of dental X-rays: film and digital. Digital radiography uses an X-ray sensor instead of film to produce the image.
Dental X-rays are either intraoral (inside the mouth) or extraoral (outside the mouth). The most common intraoral x-rays are Periapical and Bitewings. They show the fine details of the teeth and the bone structure around them. The most common extraoral x-ray is called Panoramic, and it is an image of the entire oral cavity, including the teeth, jawbones, and sinus areas.
Are Digital X-Rays Better? Lancaster Dental uses digital radiography only. We believe it has many advantages over film. First and foremost, digital X-rays require less radiation exposure (approximately 50-80% less than film); this makes them safer for our clients and our staff. They are faster, and the image can be enhanced and transferred easily if needed.
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