You’ve come in for a cleaning and everything looks good, so why do you need a dental x-ray? Great question! Dental x-rays provide an in-depth and accurate view of your teeth and jaw and are an essential tool for preventative care. With up-to-date x-rays, Dr. Brunacini and Dr. Karagiorgos have an enhanced opportunity to identify any potential problems and diagnose dental conditions. The sooner we can treat potential problems or conditions, oftentimes the less invasive and less expensive it will be for you! At FDA, we want our patients to be fully informed when they make decisions about their oral health care and dental x-rays help support that goal. To help inform you more about the importance of dental x-rays, here are three commonly asked questions:
How often should I get dental x-rays?
At FDA we recommend our patients receive an x-ray at their first appointment and then once a year thereafter. Our digital x-ray technology uses a very low dose of radiation already, but this treatment schedule helps us to further minimize any risks.
We offer digital x-rays at FDA, which is a type of x-ray where digital sensors are used instead of traditional film. To perform digital x-rays, electric sensors are placed in the patient’s mouth. The sensors are connected to a computer by a small wire. The x-ray beam is sent through the teeth and into the sensor. The image can then be viewed immediately on a computer screen during an appointment. Compared with traditional x-rays, digital x-rays reduce radiation exposure by 70-80%. We also find that digital x-rays greatly support patient education by providing a clear image of a patient’s mouth and potential problem areas.
To improve our patients’ experience FDA also offers 3D imaging. Using a CBCT 3D imaging machine, a scanner rotates around a patient’s head, collecting multiple images in rapid succession. These images are then pieced together using a software program to create an extremely clear 3D panoramic view of the mouth and jaw. Often referred to as 3D imaging, CBCT 3D x-rays provide a more thorough and complete view of the head, mouth, and neck prior to performing any dental treatment, especially oral surgery. CBCT scans can also assist us in planning for root canals and placing dental implants. While 3D imaging won’t replace our typical bitewing x-rays, it is an additional tool that helps to diagnose areas of concern or when planning dental implants.
If you have more questions about dental x-rays or if it’s been more than a year since you received them, please give us a call. We’re always happy to answer your questions and can help schedule your next appointment!
