Final answer:
Digital radiography requires less radiation than traditional x-rays primarily due to more sensitive detectors that capture images more quickly, reducing exposure time. Enhanced digital image processing and safety measures like shielding and creating distance further help minimize radiation doses.
Step-by-step explanation:
Digital radiography requires less radiation than traditional x-rays because it utilizes more sensitive detectors that require less exposure to produce a high-quality image. These digital detectors capture the radiation transmitted through the body and convert it directly into digital images, reducing the need for lengthy exposure times associated with traditional film x-rays. Additionally, digital images can be enhanced and manipulated to improve clarity without additional exposures.
The use of faster image processing in digital radiography also lowers the doses; medical diagnostics have become safer with films that capture images quicker, thereby reducing the need for prolonged exposure to radiation. Furthermore, shielding and increasing the distance from the source are important safety measures taken during x-ray procedures to minimize the dose of radiation received by both the patient and the operator.
Ultimately, improved technology in digital radiography, like faster films and better detectors, combined with effective radiation protection strategies, ensures that radiation exposure is minimized while maintaining diagnostic image quality.