Dental X-rays are a very important part of a careful dental examination. A full series (18 radiographs) is generally required for new patients to a dental practice or for those who may require a lot of treatment.
What are some of the issues that dental X-rays show your dentist and you?
- Hidden decay not visible to direct vision
- Areas of breakdown, cracks and decay under existing dental fillings, crowns and bridges
- Developing tumors or cysts inside the jaw
- Dental abscesses deep within your bone
- Bacteria-laden tartar or calculus deposits on your teeth.
- Bone loss and progression of periodontal disease
- How much bone is present for dental implants, the presence of anatomical structures to be avoided and whether or not bone grafts would be necessary
- Impacted or supernumerary “extra” teeth
- Problems with or need for endodontic (root canal) treatment
- Presence of “foreign bodies” lodged in the bone or gums
As your dentist, our office has always been concerned about minimizing the amount of ionizing radiation to which you are exposed while gathering vital diagnostic information. We have always used lead protective aprons and throat collars and take precautions to minimize your risk and but always abide by the proper standards of dental care. It may be of interest for you to know that the typical full series of dental x-rays uses 800 times LESS radiation than one chest xray and 40 times less background radiation than you receive on a typical day.
For your enhanced protection, safety and better diagnostic information, Dr. Amann has invested in state of the digital X-ray technology that offers up to 80 percent less radiation than found with traditional dental x-ray films. Not only does this use less radiation, it creates a safer, cleaner environment because it uses no films or pollution with processing chemicals. Your valuable time in the office is better spent because the images are produced onscreen almost intantaneously for viewing and diagnostic interpretation.
More Values of Digital Dental Radiography
The digital x-ray software allows image enhancements like magnification, control of brightess of the image and the contrast in the image. This attention to image detail can bring out information in the X-ray image that is not visible or possible with traditional film.
With digital radiography, you and your dentist can look at an image that fills a 19 inch monitor which makes it much easier to see diagnostic details than trying to view an image smaller than the size of two postage stamps.
This enhanced image size allows the dentist to more easily show you what areas of conern she or he is diagnosing — such as little cracks, decay beginning under fillings and other flaws or wear and breakdown that might endanger the health of your teeth, gums and bone.
Earlier detection of problems that can mean less invasive repair and reduced economic burden for you and a more positive long-term result.
Digital radiography immediately stores your x-ray images on the computer in an electronic format. This makes it easy to send an x-ray to your insurance provider or to more than one dental specialist at the same time.
In our office you have the ability to view your own digital x-rays and dental intra-oral photos from the comfort of your home. We can set this up for you through your own personal password-protected access to your file if you wish to do so via the internet.