Advent of Digital X-Rays

I am sitting in my office this morning and working on some of the treatment plans for my patients.  I looked up at my two computer screens-with the digital x-rays clearly visible.  We placed these in 2000 (almost nine years ago) and still today it amazes me how clear and vibrant the x-rays are---not to mention the decreased amount of radiation patients have when x-rays are taken.  Gone are the films, chemicals and the lack of understanding for the patient when viewing x-rays.  Today I am able to bring x-rays up on the screen while the patient is in the chair and circle problem areas and bring my patient into the decision process and explain how and why treatment is necessary.  It gives my patients the ability to make a more informed decision; which directly benefits them.  Technology is amazing in all aspects of our lives but when it comes to x-rays, it is clearly a large step in the care patients receive.