Digital x-rays do not require film to be used. A sensor is placed in the patient’s mouth instead of film, which has a wire that goes directly to the computer. This way, the x-ray image can be seen immediately, and does not require developing and processing (which takes more time and uses chemicals). With a digital x-ray, the dentist knows immediately if the picture taken was good enough or if it needs to be retaken. The picture can be enlarged to allow a patient to easily see it on a computer monitor. Digital x-rays are also beneficial because the patient has reduced exposure to radiation- as opposed to using film.

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