Digital X-Rays
Like brushing and flossing, regular dental X-rays are an important part of maintaining the health of your teeth.
The Benefits of X-Rays
X-rays, also known as radiographs, are an essential part of any dental care treatment plan. They are both diagnostic and preventive, allowing us to diagnose hidden oral care issues.
In adults, X-rays reveal:
- decay, particulary between teeth
- decay underneath existing fillings
- bone loss in the jaw
- changes in the bone or root canal due to infection
- condition and position of teeth to help prepare for implants, braces dentures, or other dental procedures
- abscesses (an infection at the root of a tooth or between the gum and a tooth)
- cysts and some types of tumors
In children, X-rays show:
- if decay is developing
- if there is enough space in the mouth to fit all incoming teeth
- if wisdom teeth are developing
- if teeth are impacted (unable to emerge through the gums)
- if teeth are missing
Digital X-Rays
By utilizing newer digital X-ray technology, our SE Portland Dentist reduces our patient’s exposure to radiation up to 85% less than film-based radiography. In other words, this is less exposure than a few hours of sunshine.
You also benefit from the ability to to see digital x-ray images of the teeth almost immediately and at a very high resolution on our monitors. These high quality images make it easier to detect problems, monitor changes and are useful tools to show patients our findings.
X-Ray Frequency
The scheduling of X-ray examinations is individualized to each patient’s needs. We will review your history, examine your mouth and then decide if you need radiographs and, if so which type. For new patients, we take a panoramic X-ray and four bitewings determine the status of hidden areas of your mouth and to help us track changes over time. If you’ve had recent X-rays at your previous dental office, we will ask you to have them forwarded.
The frequency of X-rays is patient-specific and risk-based. Factors such as age, risk for disease, dental hygiene, dental decay, gum disease, how much dental work you’ve had in the past and the current condition of that work are all taken into account. Typically, however; we like to utilize updated bitewings at least every two years and a panoramic X-ray, which shows the patient’s entire mouth, at least every five years.
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