Digital Dental X-rays for Improved Diagnostics
Since the 1800s, dentists have used dental X-rays to identify dental issues lurking beneath the gum line. Until X-rays were invented, health issues beneath the skin surface — bone loss, cysts, tumors, impacted wisdom teeth, and infected teeth — were diagnosed based on educated guesses. Since their discovery, X-rays have undergone significant advancement. At Neal Edwards DDS in Riverside, California, we offer digital X-rays — the safest, most accurate, and environment-friendly radiography available on the planet.
Why do you need dental X-rays?
During your dental exam, your dentist may request dental X-rays to have an all-round view of your dental health. While your dentist performs visual and physical oral examinations, dental X-rays are needed to check the health of your jawbone, roots, and other oral structures not visible to the naked eye.
Imagine having a debilitating toothache, but your dentist sees no sign of cavities, fractures, or infection. Without the ability to look beyond your tooth, your dentist will only base the diagnosis on guesswork. Your tooth may have a crack or abscess beneath the gum line. An X-ray reveals these conditions to help the dentist prescribe conservative yet effective treatment, hopefully without extracting the troublesome tooth.Â
How often should you have dental X-rays taken? If you aren’t at risk of cavities or don’t have dental pain, you need dental X-rays every few years. However, if you are at risk of tooth decay, cysts, and other abnormalities, you may need dental X-rays annually.Â
What do digital X-rays look like?
Gone are the days when you had to wait for hours or even days for your imaging results to be available. Modern X-rays are instant. Your digital X-rays are visible on a computer screen. Your dentist uses X-ray images to determine the appropriate treatment. Even better, we can zoom in to view detailed parts of the image.
Dentists also use panoramic X-rays for better diagnosis. This machine makes all your teeth visible in one continuous, flat image, helping the dentist establish the relationship between teeth.
Benefits of digital X-rays
Digital X-rays have numerous benefits over their conventional counterparts. These include:
- Images are super-detailed
- Results are instant
- These X-rays emit 70% less radiation than traditional X-rays
- Ease of image storage
- Environment friendly — no chemicals are required to process the images
Due for some dental X-rays in Riverside, CA? Please dial (951) 614-0033 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Neal Edwards and the team.
FAQs
What are dental X-rays?
You’ve probably encountered dental X-rays during your routine dental exam or when the dentist is preparing you for a procedure like dental extraction. Dental X-rays are an imaging technology that captures images of your teeth and jaw, which helps dentists detect issues for diagnostics or treatment planning. Dental X-rays uncover problems not visible to the naked eye, such as interdental cavities, bone loss, cysts, impacted teeth, etc.
Why do I need dental X-rays?
Our visual examinations are detailed, but not every dental issue is in plain sight. Dental X-rays unearth problems beneath the gum. Here are cases you may need dental X-rays.Â
- Routine exams: The dentist may incorporate dental X-rays in your routine exams to detect oral issues even before symptoms manifest.Â
- Diagnostics: When you have symptoms not visible on the surface, the dentist will use dental X-rays to unearth the root cause.Â
- Treatment planning: The dentist will likely use dental X-rays and other tools to plan orthodontics, root canals, fillings, extractions, and other treatments. Dental X-rays help visualize internal structures like the jawbone and roots of your teeth for better treatment outcomes.Â
Are there different types of dental X-rays?
Yes! There are different types of dental X-rays, each with its benefits. Bitewing X-rays are the most common. They are taken with the patient biting down on a film or sensor. They reveal hidden cavities and check bone levels.Â
Periapical X-rays show the entire tooth from the crown to the root. They help detect infections, abscesses, fractures, or deep cavities. Panoramic X-rays capture a full view of the entire mouth, including teeth, jaw, and sinuses. They help evaluate wisdom teeth, jawbone health, and alignment issues.
Are dental X-rays safe?
Radiation exposure from X-rays is a common concern for many patients. However, the amount of radiation exposure in modern X-rays is minimal, and patients are protected during the procedure. In addition, we only take X-rays when necessary to prevent unnecessary radiation exposure.Â
Can pregnant women get dental X-rays?
Yes! Digital X-rays emit significantly lower radiation than film-based X-rays, making them even safer for pregnant women. However, if you’re pregnant or suspect you might be, always let us know so we can adjust your treatment plan.Â
While we can postpone routine X-rays until after delivery, they may be recommended in cases of severe tooth pain or infection. If an X-ray is unavoidable, the second trimester is generally the safest time, as significant fetal development occurs in the first trimester. We always prioritize the safety of the mother and baby when taking X-rays.Â
How often do I need dental X-rays?
The frequency of X-rays depends on your oral health needs. Generally, dentists recommend them once a year, but patients with ongoing dental issues may need them every six months or more often.
We recommend the frequency of dental X-rays after a careful assessment, carefully weighing the benefits and risks. When we recommend dental X-rays, it’s for a good reason.Â
Does my local dentist use digital X-rays?
Neal Edward DDS uses cutting-edge technologies to provide fast, comfortable, and safe dental care. Call (951) 614-0033 and experience advanced dental care with digital X-rays in Riverside, California.Â
