About Dental Radiographs
Dental radiographs, typically known as dental x-rays, are an essential diagnostic tool. Without x-rays, our dental exams would be incomplete and problem areas may go undetected. Our practice understands your concerns over radiation exposure and that is why all of our offices feature digital x-rays. This allows for 90% less radiation and a clearer picture than the old films.
Dental x-rays may reveal:
- Infections and dental abscesses
- Bone loss
- Cancerous and noncancerous tumors
- Decay between the teeth (Interproximal decay)
- Developmental abnormalities
- TMJ (Tempromandibular Joint) disease
- Pathology in the neck and sinuses
- Eruption patterns
- Position of wisdom teeth
- Root abnormalities
Our dentists will determine the minimum number of x-rays required to thoroughly examine your dental health. We guarantee, as dental professionals, that the radiographs we require are being taken with your best interest in mind. Once a comprehensive radiographic review has been completed at your initial exam, recall patients will be asked to periodically update these radiographs. The timing for these is determined by the individual patient’s medical/dental health, dental exam, level of home care, signs/symptoms, and cavity pattern. Typically, new bitewing pictures (the x-rays that display decay between the teeth) are taken between 6 – 24 months, while new panoramic radiographs (the x-ray that displays the entire picture of the jaws, teeth, sinuses, and joints) will be taken between 3-5 years. By utilizing digital x-rays, images can be displayed on a computer monitor instead of a tiny piece of film, allowing zooming and enhancement for better diagnosis. Additionally, all of our treatment rooms are equipped with flat-panel high-definition televisions which allow the patient to visualize the picture helping to understand your dental condition. Through a clearer understanding of your dental condition, often apprehension about the procedure is reduced.
Dental X-rays Reviews
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