Ever since X-rays have been used in the medical field, concerns about their safety have been understandably prevalent. In the case of your local family dentist, though, modern digital X-rays provide a much safer alternative to that of the older technology.

You will find nothing but the best in X-rays and other state-of-the-art technology at Anchorage Dental Center. The equipment at this local Alaskan dental clinic may have changed, but the level of care for the whole family remains as strong as ever. As far as digital X-rays are concerned, here are three facts that should help alleviate any lingering concerns ahead of your next trip to the family dentist: 

Radiation Levels Are at Their Lowest

While radiation levels may have been a concern in the past, modern X-ray technology emits around 50% to 70% less radiation. These substantial improvements make the levels of exposure fairly inconsequential, so parents needn't worry about their children taking part in digital X-rays during their next dental exam. 

Digital X-rays Represent a Fraction of Daily Exposure

To get specific, a standard digital X-ray will expose a patient to roughly .005 mSv (microsieverts); that amount is less than the natural background radiation we're exposed to on a daily basis. Radiation exposure is a fact of life, and it hits us in everything from our environment to our phones and televisions. The radiation exposure of a digital dental X-ray ends up being about the same as a short, one- to two-hour airplane flight. 

Digital X-rays Improve Dental Care Greatly

The pros far outweigh the minimal cons when it comes to digital dental X-rays. When paired with computer monitoring, your dentist will be able to enhance the image more effectively for a closer look at any potential dental concerns. As a result, the level of precision is much greater, and this accuracy lets your family dentist better identify decay and other problems before they get worse. 

The bottom line is that modern dental X-rays are both useful and safe for the whole family, so you can cast your worries aside before your next visit to Anchorage Dental Center. Call them at (907) 278-2521 to schedule an appointment, and visit their website for information on X-rays and other procedures.