What is a key characteristic of digital radiography compared to traditional film radiography?

Digital radiography is characterized by reduced radiation exposure compared to traditional film radiography. This is due to the enhanced sensitivity of digital sensors, which can capture images with less radiation. Digital systems like CCD (charge-coupled device) or CMOS (complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor) sensors can produce high-quality images at lower doses. This decreased necessity for radiation not only promotes better safety for patients but also aligns with the principles of ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable), which emphasizes minimizing radiation exposure wherever possible.

In contrast, traditional film radiography requires higher doses to produce images that achieve adequate detail and contrast, leading to greater radiation exposure for patients. The advantages of digital radiography extend beyond just lower radiation doses; they also include faster image acquisition and processing times, with minimal to no development required after exposure, which improves workflow in dental practices. This combination of benefits makes digital radiography a preferred choice in contemporary dental imaging.