Dental Radiographs
Dental radiographs, are commonly known as Dental X-rays.
Dental radiographs allow the dentist to see and treat problems like childhood cavities, tooth decay, orthodontic misalignment, bone injuries, and bone diseases before they worsen. These issues would be difficult (in some cases impossible) to see with the naked eye during a clinical examination.
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) approves the use of dental radiographs for diagnostic purposes in children and teenagers. Although radiographs only emit tiny amounts of radiation and are safe to use on an occasional basis, the AAPD guidelines aim to protect young people from unnecessary X-ray exposure.
What are dental X-rays used for?
A digital radiograph is a type of advanced x-ray imaging, using modern technology, devices and the latest cutting edge equipment. Digital radiographs offer more precision and reduced radiation. Instead of using traditional radiographic film to capture the visual, digital sensors are used for a more accurate and detailed assessment. The radiation used with digital sensors is 90% less conventional films.
More dense structures, such as healthy teeth, allow less radiation to pass through; less radiation is detected by the sensor, which is why these structures appear lighter on the image. Less dense structures, such as dental caries, allow more radiation to go through and be registered by the sensor, which makes them appear darker. That is how dentists interpret the images.
Digital radiographs can be used to examine teeth for virtually any problem or disorder. They are programmed for magnification, colorization, and measurement to give the dentist the highest level of accuracy. No films or chemicals are used. The image appears almost instantly on the computer, and can be clarified, to improve our interpretation and diagnosis.
Because our practice is dedicated to providing you with the safest and most convenient treatment options available, we utilize advanced digital radiograph technology in our office.
Advantages of Digital Radiographic Evaluation include:
- Time efficiency through bypassing chemical processing techniques (immediate preview and availability)
- Ability to digitally transfer and enhance images
- Less radiation can be used to produce the image of similar contrast to conventional radiography
- Elimination of chemical use and additional steps
Who Benefits from Digital Radiographs
Everyone! Dental radiographic evaluation is an essential, preventative, and diagnostic tool which can provide valuable information not detectable during a visual dental examination. Without proper evaluation, abnormalities and decay may go undetected which is why radiographs are necessary to complete an accurate examination and treatment plan.
What can Digital Radiographs Reveal?
Digital Radiographs enable us to detect cavities in between your teeth, determine bone level, and health of bone. We can also examine the roots and nerves of teeth, diagnose lesions such as cysts or tumors, as well as assess damage when trauma occurs.
- Abscesses or cysts
- Bone loss
- Cancerous and non-cancerous tumors
- Decay between tetth
- Developmental abnormalities
- Poor tooth and root positions
- Problems inside a tooth below the gum line
- Detecting and treating dental concerns at an earlier stage which can save you time, money, unnecessary discomfort, and of course, your teeth!
Reduced Radiation, Radical Results
Are Dental Radiograph’s Safe? Yes.
All individuals are exposed to natural radiation in their environment. Digital radiographs typically produce a significantly lower level of radiation compared to more traditional dental x-rays. So in turn, digital radiographs are considerably safer and healthier for the patient, and offer much more thorough results.
Other Benefits:
- Faster-reducing time spent in the dental office
- More comfortable for the patient
Although digital radiographs produce a much lower level of radiation and are considered to be more safe, our dentists still administer all necessary precautions to limit the patient’s exposure by shielding our patient’s body with apron shields for further protection.
Digital radiographs do not, however, replace the need for a visual examination of the head, neck, TMJ and oral cavity. It is only with a combination of both the radiographs and the visual examination that our dentists can best treat his or her patients.
If you have questions about digital radiogrphs, call us. We’ll do all we can to help.
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