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Sometimes when you need help with a dental issue, you may be required to have a more extensive diagnostic process to ensure that the treatment being prescribed is both right, and being directed to the areas that need it. For some of the more in-depth issues that may arise, this can take the form of an X-ray, which is used to capture extensive images of the interior of your teeth and gums. This permits the dentist to ascertain the seriousness of issues such as cavities, decay and impacted teeth and to target any treatment in the correct way.
Although the idea of X-rays may seem concerning to a lot of people, who are familiar with the technology being used to diagnose broken bones and other similar issues lower down in the body, their use is fairly common and non-drastic for oral health. Some people may raise the issue of radiation being used for dental X-rays. In truth, the levels of radiation required for the process are extremely low – but the problem can be made even less egregious now thanks to the advent of digital dental X-rays.
Digital dental X-rays offer enhanced computer images of your teeth and gums, allowing a clearer picture of any issues that may be developing and can be acquired through any one of three methods: the direct method, the indirect method and the semi-indirect method. In the direct method, a digital sensor is placed inside the patient’s mouth, while the indirect method uses a scanner to view traditional X-ray images. The semi-indirect approach, meanwhile, combines the use of a sensor and a scanner to convert X-rays into digital film.
The type of X-ray that you have may depend on the type of issue the dentist suspects to be at the source of your problems. Intraoral (inside the mouth) X-rays are usually used to detect cavities, monitor dental development and also check on the health of teeth and jawbones.
Among intraoral x-rays, the most common type is called a bitewing, and involves the patient biting down on film to create an image of the top and bottom teeth in a specific area. It is commonly used to diagnose decay between teeth and to check for bone density loss. Periapical x-rays, for their part, show the whole tooth from crown to root, and are often used to detect abscesses and extensive gum disease.
Extraoral, or outside-the-mouth x-rays, can get a wider but less specific picture of the whole mouth and usually identify more general issues. However, digital dental X-rays in general can be thanked for making it easier to diagnose complicated cases of decay, gum disease and lesions. They are also better for the environment and easier to transfer between different dentists and other doctors for the sake of referrals.
If you have never had an X-ray photograph taken before, the idea of digital dental X-rays may seem to be a cause for concern, but in truth the process can provide prompt clarification on something that has been troubling you for some time – and can ensure treatment is much more efficient.
Our family friendly dental office is designed to make your dental experience comfortable, relaxed and enjoyable for the whole family.
Monday: 8am – 5pm
Tuesday: 7am – 7pm
Wednesday: 7am – 7pm
Thursday: 7am – 5pm
Friday: 8am – 1pm
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed