Digital radiography (DR) is an advanced form of x-ray inspection which produces a digital radiographic image instantly on a computer. This technique uses x-ray sensitive plates to capture data during object examination, which is immediately transferred to a computer without the use of an intermediate cassette.

What are the Advantages of Digital Radiography?

Digital radiography offers many advantages to the non-destructive testing community, including:

• Shorter exposure times.
• Real-time applications.
• Use of analysis tool and defect-recognition software.
• Improved detail detectability.
• Enhanced SNR and linearity.
• Reduced inspection time, as no chemical processing of film, is required.
• Eliminates processing chemical, hence safe for the environment.
• Digital image enhancement and data storage.
• Higher productivity.

Why are digital X rays better?

Not only do digital x-rays expose patients and staff to up to 90% less radiation than traditional film x-rays, but they also have the following additional benefits: They are better for the environment because they don’t require development. They can be viewed on a computer monitor within seconds of taking the image.

Benefits/Risks :

X-ray imaging, including dental CBCT, provides a fast, non-invasive way of answering a number of clinical questions. Dental CBCT images provide three-dimensional (3-D) information, rather than the two-dimensional (2-D) information provided by a conventional X-ray image. This may help with the diagnosis, treatment planning, and evaluation of certain conditions.

Although the radiation doses from dental CBCT exams are generally lower than other CT exams, dental CBCT exams typically deliver more radiation than conventional dental X-ray exams. Concerns about radiation exposure are greater for younger patients because they are more sensitive to radiation (i.e., estimates of their lifetime risk for cancer incidence and mortality per unit dose of ionizing radiation are higher) and they have a longer lifetime for ill-effects to develop.

The FDA has launched a pediatric X-ray imaging website that provides specific recommendations for parents and health care providers to help reduce unnecessary radiation exposure to children. The FDA’s Center for Devices and Radiological Health defines the ages of the pediatric population as birth through 21 years.