Comparing Traditional X-Ray vs. 3D Dental Scan
Did you know that having an annual dental check-up can improve the quality of your life? Not only does the inspection prevent tooth decay or problems with your gums, but it ensures your teeth don’t have any hidden problems that can compromise your oral health.
However, if you’re nervous about the dentist office’s dental equipment, you may have considered finding a dentist that offers traditional X-ray vs. 3D dental scans. Here’s what you need to know.
Read on!
Table of Contents
What Is a Traditional X-Ray?
A traditional X-ray is a type of diagnostic imaging that has been around for many years. It uses a powerful X-ray beam that passes through the body, allowing various body parts and organs to become visible on film or on a monitor.
Traditional X-Ray images are two-dimensional, so they allow doctors to evaluate the inside of the body in a non-invasive manner. It is often used to detect fractures, bone diseases, tumors, and any other irregularities in bone structure.
What Is a 3D Dental Scan?
A 3D dental scan is a diagnostic tool used in dentistry to produce three-dimensional images of the mouth and teeth. The scan is non-invasive, safe, and fast, providing accurate diagnostic data for dentists to use during treatment planning and diagnosis.
Additionally, it can reduce the need for tedious, manual measurements, potentially reducing appointment time. A 3D scan for teeth can be used in multiple aspects of dentistry, including implantology, orthodontics, and endodontics.
Cost
The cost of traditional X-rays vs 3D dental scans is quite different. Traditional X-rays cost the patient far less than the 3D dental scan, depending on where the patient gets the X-ray taken.
Most often, X-rays cost anywhere from $50 to $200 for a full set, although the cost can be higher in certain cities and states. On the other hand, 3D dental scans are more expensive and can cost between $200 to as much as $1000.
Accuracy
Traditional X-rays are limited in their accuracy due to the two-dimensional representation of the images they capture. 3D dental scans provide a greater ability to accurately detect dental issues such as cavities, impacted wisdom teeth, and root canal irregularities.
The Intraoral 3D scanner also creates a much more detailed image compared to traditional X-rays. Additionally, 3D scans provide a much higher level of accuracy, with measurements down to fractions of a millimeter.
This improved accuracy can help identify problems and plan for associated treatments earlier and with greater confidence.
Exposure
With the traditional X-ray, the radiation exposure is much higher than a 3D dental scan, thereby creating a higher risk for the patient. X-rays utilize film that exposes the patient to high levels of radiation in a one-time shot.
On the other hand, a 3D dental scan utilizes a sensor that takes thousands of pictures and minimizes exposure overall. This is because less radiation is emitted per scan, reducing the cumulative exposure for the patient.
The Comparison Between a 3D Dental Scan vs. Traditional X-Ray
3D dental scanning has drastically changed the way dentistry is delivered, with vastly superior images, improved accuracy, and shorter appointment times, compared to traditional X-rays.
By utilizing 3D dental scanning technology, diagnosis, treatment, and overall patient experience can be improved. Contact your local clinic and find out if 3D dental scanning is available!
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Last Updated on August 2, 2023
