When is digital radiography preferred over traditional film?

Digital radiography is preferred over traditional film largely due to the immediate availability of results and the significant reduction in radiation exposure it offers. With digital systems, images can be captured, processed, and viewed almost instantaneously on a computer screen. This allows the dental professional to make quicker decisions regarding patient care, enhancing the efficiency of the workflow. Furthermore, digital sensors generally require less radiation to produce high-quality images compared to film, thus minimizing the patient's exposure to harmful radiation.

While cost, processing time, and patient comfort with technology are factors that can influence the choice of radiographic method, the immediate results and reduced exposure stand out as primary advantages that make digital radiography particularly compelling in clinical practice. This emphasis on patient safety and efficient care is fundamental in modern dentistry, highlighting why option A is the correct choice.