Dental Radiographs (X-Rays)

Radiographic or X-ray examinations provide your dentist with an important tool that shows the condition of your teeth, its roots, jaw placement and the overall composition of the tooth's supporting bone. X-rays can help your dentist determine the presence or degree of periodontal disease, abscesses and many abnormal growths, such as cysts and tumors. X-rays also can show the location of impacted and unerrupted teeth. They can detect and pinpoint the location of cavities and other signs of disease that may not be possible to detect through a visual examination. We are using the latest in x-ray speed (F-Speed Film) to minimize x-ray exposure to our patients.

Your radiographic schedule is based on the dentist's assessment of your individual needs, including whether you're a new patient or a follow-up patient, adult or child, high or low risk for cavities or periodontal disease, etc. In most cases, new patients require a full set of dental X-rays to evaluate oral health status, including any underlying signs of gum disease and retained for future comparison. For new patents that have a set of current X-rays at another location, we can request a transfer of records. This can minimizes the need for new X-rays. Follow-up and Recare patients require X-rays at regular intervals to monitor bone loss and to detect the presence of tooth decay.

Types of Dental X-rays.

Typically, most patients have "periapical" and "bitewing" radiographs taken. These require patients to hold or bite down on a piece of plastic or styrofoam. Bitewing X-rays show the top and bottom teeth together on one small, detailed film. They are typically used to determine the presence of decay in between teeth, decay under fillings, and bone loss in high risk areas. Periapical X-rays show detailed root structure, bone levels, cysts and abscesses. Both X-rays are used in conjunction with a thorough clinical exam.

Another type of diagnostic X-ray is a panoramic radiograph. This type of X-ray allows us to see a broad view, with less detail, of the whole mouth and surrounding structures on one image . Within one large film, panoramic X-rays reveal all of your upper and lower teeth and various parts of your jaws. Other structures shown on this type of X-ray are the sinus cavities and some lower teeth nerve pathways and there proximity to the teeth. They are also great for showing all developing, impacted, and wisdom teeth.

All health care providers are sensitive to patients' concerns about exposure to radiation. All dentist have been trained to prescribe radiographs when they are appropriate and to tailor radiographic schedules to each patient's individual needs. By using state-of-the-art technology and by staying knowledgeable about recent advances, dentists' know which techniques, procedures and X-ray films can minimize your exposure to radiation.