In This Article
Dental radiography is an essential tool for diagnosing and treating dental problems. Digital dental radiography is a newer technology that offers many advantages over traditional film-based radiography. URBN Dental Montrose is proud to offer digital dental radiography to our patients. This technology provides a number of benefits over traditional X-ray machines, including: clearer images that can be magnified, less radiation exposure, and quicker turnaround time.
What is dental radiography?
Digital dental radiography is a type of dental X-ray imaging where digital X-ray sensors are used in place of traditional film. Digital dental radiography uses a digital sensor to capture images of the teeth and supporting structures. The digital sensor is placed in the mouth and produces a high-quality image that can be viewed instantly on a computer screen.
Digital dental radiography offers many advantages over traditional film-based radiography. The images produced by digital dental radiography are of a higher quality, which means that small problems can be detected more easily. In addition, digital images can be enhanced and enlarged, which makes it easier for the dentist to make an accurate diagnosis.
What are the types of dental x-rays?
Dental x-rays are important for helping your dentist find problems with your teeth and gums. There are different kinds of dental x-rays, and each provides a different view of your mouth.
Types of intraoral x-rays:
- Bitewing X-Rays: Bitewing x-rays are taken by placing the x-ray film between your teeth. These x-rays show the crowns of your teeth (the part that you see in your mouth) and the roots of your teeth.
- Periapical X-Rays: Periapical x-rays are taken from outside of your mouth and show the entire tooth, from the crown to the root.
Types of extraoral x-rays:
- Panoramic X-Rays: Panoramic x-rays show all of your teeth at once, as well as your jawbone.
- Multi-Slice Computed Tomography: Multi-slice computed tomography (CT) scans take many x-rays at different angles and put them together to create a 3-dimensional image of your mouth.
- Cephalometric Projections: Cephalometric projections are taken from the side of your head and show your teeth, jaws, and facial bones.
- Sialography: Sialography is an x-ray of your salivary glands.
- Cone Beam Computerized Tomography (CBCT): Cone beam computerized tomography (CBCT) is a 3-dimensional x-ray of your mouth.
What are the benefits of dental radiography?
- Increased clarity and diagnostic accuracy: Digital dental X-rays produce images that are much clearer than traditional X-rays. This allows your dentist to more accurately diagnose problems such as tooth decay, periodontal disease, and other abnormalities.
- Lower radiation exposure: Digital X-rays emit up to 90% less radiation than traditional film-based X-rays. This is a significant decrease in radiation exposure, which is important for both you and your dentist.
- Environmentally friendly: Digital X-rays are completely paperless, which means there is no waste produced from the film or chemicals used in traditional X-rays. This is better for the environment and helps to keep dental costs down.
- Faster imaging: Digital X-rays can be taken and viewed immediately, which means that you don’t have to wait for film to be developed. This also allows your dentist to make quicker decisions about your treatment.
- Easier to store and share: Digital X-rays can be easily stored on a computer and shared with other dental professionals. This is helpful if you need to see a specialist or if you move to a new dentist.
What are the drawbacks of dental radiography?
The drawbacks of dental radiography include the small amount of radiation exposure and the need for special training to interpret the images. Additionally, x-rays do not show the soft tissues of the mouth, so other diagnostic tools may be needed to fully evaluate a patient.
How safe are dental x-rays?
Dental x-rays are generally considered to be safe. The amount of radiation exposure from a dental x-ray is very low, and the risks are usually outweighed by the benefits of early detection of dental problems. However, pregnant women and young children should avoid unnecessary x-rays.
What kind of X-rays does my dentist usually take?
The type of x-ray that your dentist takes will depend on the specific problem that they are trying to diagnose. The most common types of dental x-rays are bitewing x-rays, which show the upper and lower teeth, and periapical x-rays, which show the entire tooth.
What will I experience during and after the procedure?
During the digital dental radiography procedure, the digital sensor will be placed inside your mouth. You will be asked to bite down on the sensor, and the x-ray machine will take a series of images. The procedure is quick and easy, and you will not experience any discomfort.
After the digital dental radiography procedure, you will be able to immediately see the images on the computer screen. Your dentist will then explain the findings and answer any questions that you may have.
Schedule your dental radiography in Montrose
Looking for the best place to get your dental radiography in Montrose? Look no further than URBN Dental! Here at URBN Dental, we offer top-quality dental radiography services to all of our patients. We believe that everyone deserves to have a healthy and beautiful smile, and we are dedicated to providing our patients with the best possible care.
Another reason to visit URBN Dental for your dental radiography needs is our experienced and friendly staff. We understand that visiting the dentist can be a daunting experience, and we go out of our way to make our patients feel comfortable and relaxed. We will take the time to answer any questions you may have and to explain the procedures we will be performing.
If you live in or around the Museum District, West University Place, Upper Kirby, or River Oaks in Houston, please schedule your dental radiography today!