I was at the dentist this morning. When they went to take x-rays of my teeth, it started as usual, with the lead bib to reduce radiation. The technician stuck the uncomfortable contraption in my mouth to hold the film in place, stepped away, zappo, and came back to move it to the next position.
That’s when things stopped being usual. The first thing that struck me was that she looked over my shoulder back toward her work area and remarked “they look good”. What looks good, I’m thinking? Then, without putting new film on the contraption, she re-positioned it and took another set of x-rays. Now I knew something was up. So I asked.
Turns out my dentist does x-rays digitally now. Although it still includes a dose of radiation, it’s apparently a lower dose than traditional x-rays. Plus it allows the dental staff to easily compare images from year to year, enlarge them to see particular spots, or increase the contrast for a better view. They can also share them more easily and clearly with other practitioners should the patient need to be referred to a specialist or change dentist. All around, better for the patient and better for the dentist. Oh, and just in case you were curious. No cavities!
Interestingly enough it has been like that for years, at least here in Portugal. How long was it since your last visit to your dentist?