Digital X-RaysDental exams are an integral part of helping you to maintain optimal oral health. Routine dental exams are recommended every 6 months and are performed to detect the presence of oral health issues in their earliest stages before symptoms begin to appear. Other types of exams may be performed when you are experiencing certain symptoms, and we need to determine the cause to provide you with effective treatment. However, a visual exam of your mouth only shows us so much. To get a complete picture of your mouth, and provide you with the best care possible, we also may need to take digital x-rays. Why are X-Rays Important?Dental exams are a crucial part of routine dental care as well as diagnosing the causes of specific symptoms. During your exams, we take a close look at the structures inside your mouth to spot any warning signs of a wide array of different issues, including physical damage, decay, and gum disease. However, there is only so much of your mouth that can be seen with the naked eye. There are many components that are hidden from view, including the spaces between your teeth, the tooth roots, and your jawbone. This is where x-rays come in. X-rays are images of mouth that show us the hidden structures of your mouth. With these images, we can see a wide array of different issues that might otherwise go unnoticed, including:
What are Digital X-Rays?X-rays have long been taken using radiation. Once the images have been captured; they are then developed in a dark room. While these images are effective, developing the images in a separate room leaves you on your own. The images can also take a while to develop, which wastes valuable appointment time. Additionally, many patients are concerned about radiation exposure. Today, we use digital x-rays. This technology uses electronics to capture images rather than radiation. We place an electronic sensor in your mouth. This sensor is attached to a computer. Taking images is as easy as clicking a button. Almost immediately after taking your images, they are displayed on the computer monitor. They do not need to be developed. We do not need to leave the room at all. Digital X-Ray BenefitsThere are many benefits associated with digital x-rays:
With digital x-rays, we can get a complete picture of your oral health. These images allow us to see the smallest details so that we can provide you with optimal care. For more information on digital x-rays, call Pacific Modern Dentistry today at (206)284-4505. |
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