What Are Digital X-Rays?
Digital x-rays or radiographs are often taken during a dental examination to provide a better picture of your overall oral health. These images give our experienced team the chance to screen for and diagnose issues that are not readily visible when we examine your mouth. Dental x-rays also allow us to understand more about your oral health by showing the insides of your teeth and jawbone. There are numerous dental and oral conditions that may only be detected on x-rays, including decay between teeth and under restorations, cysts, abscesses, bone loss, and tooth impaction, among other concerns. If these problems are identified in the early stages, they can often be addressed with greater efficiency and more conservative treatment options. During your dental examinations at LANCO Dental Care in Lancaster, PA, we may take digital x-rays to accurately diagnose and treat any oral health issues that may be impacting your smile.
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What Are The Benefits Of Digital X-Rays?
Digital dental x-rays offer several benefits to our Lancaster, PA patients. Not only are they convenient and accessible, digital x-rays provide several oral health benefits, including:
- Quick and pain-free process
- Taken in-office for immediate results
- Reduced radiation than traditional x-ray methods
- Assists our dentists with diagnostic information
- Allows our team to keep the images on file to establish your dental health baseline
- Better image quality than traditional x-ray methods
Who Can Get X-Rays?
For most patients, x-rays are included in an annual dental exam. They may be administered as part of a preventive dental treatment plan or to evaluate a concern if you are experiencing pain or damage in your mouth. Even though digital x-rays use less radiation than traditional film x-rays, we strive to limit the amount of exposure that is delivered to every individual. Digital x-rays are usually safe for most individuals; however, female patients who may be or are pregnant are advised to inform a member of our team at the beginning of the exam so extra cautionary steps can be taken.
What Is The Digital Imaging Process?
Often performed at the start of your dental exam, digital x-rays generally take less than five minutes to complete. In general, x-rays are taken at recommended intervals to show the internal portions of the teeth and jawbone. We capture digital x-rays by using a sensor that is connected to our computer, which immediately transmits the images directly to your digital patient record. Unlike traditional films, digital x-rays are faster, safer, and generally more comfortable. Digital x-rays can also be enlarged to show your oral health in greater detail and help us identify cavities, bone loss, or other dental issues as early as possible. Once they are complete, the x-rays will be reviewed with you by our team to discuss any potential oral health issues and treatment needs.
How Often Are X-Rays Taken?
A set of bitewing x-rays will generally be taken annually at your dental examination or as needed to evaluate any specific pain, damage, or areas of concern. At some visits, a whole mouth series may be taken to gain a complete view of your teeth and jawbone health. Your digital images will be kept within your patient file and referred to as necessary so that our team can identify trends and address any growing concerns.
Digital X-Rays FAQ
Are digital dental x-ray safe?
Digital x-rays emit a very low amount of radiation and are considered quite safe. If you are worried about radiation exposure, let our team know, and we can give you further information.
Are digital dental x-rays better than traditional x-rays?
Digital x-ray results are often available in real-time, allowing our team to quickly and efficiently diagnose any issues so we can treat your condition(s) quickly. Digital x-rays also have a higher resolution — so it's easier to see concerns compared to a traditional x-ray.
Why is a handheld digital x-ray important?
Getting dental x-rays helps our team to ensure the maintenance of your oral health. Alongside our oral exams, these x-rays help us see under the surface and hard-to-see areas that give us a greater view of your oral health.
A Digital Diagnostic Approach
Digital imaging is an advanced tool that can help diagnose oral health problems in the early stages. As an integral part of a regular dental examination, digital x-rays provide our dental practitioners an in-depth understanding of your oral health, allowing us to treat dental needs earlier and often more conservatively. Today's digital technology also renders dental x-rays safer and more comfortable for patients. To learn more about the benefits of digital x-rays, contact LANCO Dental Care in Lancaster, PA, to make an appointment today.
