Digital X-rays

Dental X-rays are an important component of maintaining good oral care. X-rays provide our dentists with a window into things they might otherwise not be able to see. We can pinpoint areas of decay or bone loss, determine the cause of a malocclusion, or check on the development of permanent teeth underneath the gum’s surface.

Today’s X-rays aren’t like those of yesterday – digital X-rays allow us to take images of your face quickly, easily and with much less radiation exposure. And the images we capture are clearer than ever before, ensuring our dentists can make the most accurate diagnoses and treatment plans. We can magnify problem areas and adjust the images so we can show you the clearest image possible to help you understand what we are looking at so you;ll be better educated on your treatment.

These digital images are much easier to store and share with others on your dental team. And since we can easily store digital images, we can compare new images with previous images to ensure your oral health is on track.

Digital X-rays can be taken using a small, handheld device that scans your mouth to create a digital image. Or, we can use a digital sensor placed in the mouth that sends the information directly to a computer. Images can be seen immediately so we can begin your treatment plan right away.

There are several advantages to digital X-rays:

• Immediate availability, without having to wait for film to develop
• Ability to enlarge and magnify areas as needed, allowing us to diagnose even tiny cavities before they can progress
• Ability to diagnose issues more efficiently
• Can easily share images with the patient so they have an understanding of their care
• Images can easily be shared among dental specialists who may be needed at any point

Why do you need digital X-rays?

We want to provide as thorough an examination as possible when you visit one of our general dentists. While our dentists are highly trained, sometimes there are issues that just can’t be seen with the naked eye. There are many parts of your mouth that are hidden from our view, and digital X-rays ensure we get a complete picture of your smile, including what is happening below the surface and in between your teeth. Digital X-rays can provide that picture in great detail.

Our dentists will have the ability to look inside the teeth so we can determine if there are any signs of infection that we need to be worried about. Digital X-rays also ensure we are planning the best treatment to meet your needs. Digital X-rays can help us monitor permanent teeth and wisdom teeth that haven’t yet erupted to ensure everything is progressing as it should. We can also monitor the growth and development of our younger patient’s jaws.

How often you will need X-rays is determined by our dentists, and varies from patient to patient. Younger patients typically require them more frequently, but older patients may require frequent X-rays if they are prone to decay or gum disease.

At Westgrove Dental we use different types of digital X-rays to ensure we get a complete picture of your mouth.

• Bitewing X-rays require the patient to bite down on a sensor so that X-ray can be taken.These help us look for decay between the teeth, and help us check the bone that surrounds the teeth. They can also give our dentists an idea of how dental restorations are holding up.
• Periapical X-rays show the entire tooth, giving us a clear image from the root to the crown. They also let us see the surrounding bone.
• Panoramic X-rays are taken by a machine that rotates around the head. These images give us a detailed image of all of the teeth in the upper and lower parts of your mouth. They can help us look for jaw issues and plan for treatments such as implants.