Digital
X-Rays
Do you have fond childhood memories of
a big lead shield draped over your body as you bit down
on a thin, sharp x-ray that cut the roof of your mouth
or the underside of your tongue? That scenario is now
a distant memory, thanks to the invention of digital radiography
and computerization. Patients still have to open wide,
but the dental film has been replaced by a smooth electronic
sensor and the lead shield is now made of space age materials
that weigh less your
average fall coat. 
In
addition, with this new technology, the x-ray images come
up on the computer screen in seconds allowing the dentist
and patient to see the x-ray without the wait for chemical
darkroom processing. This latest advancement in technology
lets dentists take fantastic computerized x-rays of your
teeth and mouth with 90% less radiation! This allows us
to better diagnose and find potential problems before
they develop into costly and painful dental emergencies.
That makes Computerized Digital Dental X-Rays safer, better,
faster and smarter than conventional chemically processed
x-rays.
Safer:
Computerized Digital Dental X-Rays are safer because patients
can receive the necessary care without unnecessary radiation.
X-rays play an invaluable role in the diagnosis of dental
problems, but many people are concerned about exposure
to x-ray radiation. Computerized Digital Dental X-Rays
eliminates these worries because it requires 90% less
radiation than conventional film x-rays.
Better:
Computerized Digital Dental X-Rays are better because
they are as accurate as conventional x-rays and can reveal
things film cannot. The digital image can be magnified
300 times its normal size to enhance diagnosis, manipulated
to correct contrast and color-adjusted to reveal hidden
problems.
Faster:
Computerized Digital Dental X-Rays are faster because
the images are instantaneous. No time is wasted processing
and mounting x-ray film. So the dental staff spends less
time in the dark room and more time with you, discussing
the health of your teeth. That means shorter appointments
for you, the patient.
Smarter:
Computerized Digital Dental X-Rays are smarter because
no harmful chemicals are used in processing the images
and therefore, no chemicals are disposed of, keeping the
environment healthy and safe. Less waste means money saved.
Additionally, Computerized Dental x-rays are covered under
your basic x-ray benefits, so there no reduction in your
insurance benefits!.
What Can Dental
X-rays Show?
Radiographic or X-ray examinations show the dental professional
things that are not visible to the naked eye. They provide
your dentist with an important tool that shows the condition
of your teeth, its roots, and the surrounding supporting
structure including the gum and bone as well as finding
the following problems:
• Check for poorly
fitting crowns and fillings
• Find hidden decay and reasons for sensitive teeth
• Determine presence of unusually shaped roots
• Determine the existence of an abscess or infection
• Study root involvement and location in relationship
with your sinuses
• Locate hidden calculus
• Examine area being considered for a bridge
• Determine condition of root canal filled teeth
• Verify presence of a fracture
• Determine reasons for pressure sensitivity
• Check for impacted teeth
• Determine amount of bone destruction in gum disease
• Evaluate primary or baby teeth
• Determine if all permanent teeth are present
XRAYS - HOW OFTEN?
Not everyone needs to have x-rays taken every year. Only
your dentist can say how often you need them. It is recommended
that your dentist prescribe the appropriate type, number
and frequency of x-rays based on your needs. In most cases,
new patients require a full set of x-rays to evaluate
their oral health status, including any underlying signs
of gum disease and for future comparison. Follow-up patients
require x- rays to monitor their gum condition and their
teeth for decay. In any case, Computerized Digital Dental
X-Rays have made the entire process a lot more exciting
and fun than the old days.
