Digital X-rays are one of the newest X-ray techniques and an essential part of any dental examination. Our digital X-rays are part of a preventive dental care plan. Digital dental X-rays will help your dentist diagnose any potential oral care issues before they develop into a major concern.
Digital radiography is a type of X-ray imaging that uses digital X-ray sensors to record detailed photos of your teeth at different angles. The use of digital dental X-rays allows us to process your X-rays quicker, enhance and enlarge images for better viewing, and easily transfer your X-rays to other dental specialists if needed. In addition, digital X-rays expose you to less radiation than traditional film. At Peace Haven, we use small phosphor plates that many patients find more comfortable than traditional sensors.
What Digital X-rays Show
Digital X-rays provide a much higher level of detail than previous traditional X-rays did. What’s more, Digital X-rays allow us to compare previous and current scans like never before. Even small changes can be more visible with a digital X-ray than through traditional X-rays.
By using Digital X-rays, your Peace Haven dentist will be able to provide a quicker diagnosis for many dental issues:
- Identify cavities
- Examine the health of tooth roots
- Check the condition of bony areas and tissues
- Diagnose periodontal disease
- Monitor developing teeth
- Detect small changes
- Find dental abscesses
At Peace Haven Family Dentistry, we perform several types of Digital X-Ray imaging:
Intraoral X-rays
Intraoral X-rays focus on the health and placement of your teeth as well as the health of the tooth root and surrounding tissue and bone.
Bite-wing X-rays
Your Peace Haven dentist will typically take one or two bite-wing X-rays on each side of your mouth. These X-rays show your teeth from crown to bone and will help detect any decay in your upper and lower molars and bicuspids. We can also determine any changes in bone density caused by gum disease.
Periapical X-rays
A periapical X-ray highlights only two teeth at a time and will show your entire tooth from crown to root. This type of X-ray can be used to detect any abnormalities in the root structure, surrounding bone, and dental abscesses.
Extraoral X-rays
Panoramic X-rays
Panoramic X-rays show the entire mouth, including all teeth in both the upper and lower jaws. This type of X-ray is beneficial for checking the position of fully erupted and erupting teeth. In addition, we can identify any impacted teeth and diagnose any cysts or tumors. Panoramic X-rays are very helpful in evaluating wisdom teeth.
How Often Are Digital X-rays Needed?
Depending on your medical and dental history, Digital X-rays are typically taken every six months to every few years.
Are Digital X-rays Safe?
Digital X-rays are very safe, and only involve low-level exposure to radiation waves. And your Peace Haven dentist will use protective gear, such as a lead apron, to prevent any unnecessary exposure to X-rays. Although, please inform your dentist if you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant.
Call Peace Haven Family Dentistry Today to schedule your next Digital X-rays.
We look forward to seeing you!