Digital X-Rays |
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Fast, Convenient, Better!
Dental x-rays are essential, preventative, diagnostic tools that provide valuable information not visible during a regular dental exam.
Digital x-rays are the standard in Dr. Stelmach’s dental practice. They allow Dr. Stelmach to get a much better view of your teeth and any potential dental conditions. He uses the digital imaging software to obtain a number of different views of your teeth to gain the best understanding of your situation and develop the most appropriate course of management.
About Dental X-Rays
Detecting and treating dental problems at an early stage may save you time, money, unnecessary discomfort, and your teeth! Dental x-rays may reveal:
- Abscesses or cysts.
- Bone loss.
- Cancerous and non-cancerous tumors.
- Decay between the teeth.
- Developmental abnormalities.
- Poor tooth and root positions.
- Problems inside a tooth or below the gum line.
How often should dental x-rays be taken?
The need for dental x-rays depends on each patient’s individual dental health needs. Your dentist and dental hygienist will recommend necessary x-rays based upon the review of your medical and dental history, a dental exam, signs and symptoms, your age, and risk of disease.
That said, a full mouth series of dental x-rays is recommended for new patients. A full series is usually good for three to five years. Bite-wing x-rays (x-rays of top and bottom teeth biting together) are taken at recall (check-up) visits and are recommended once or twice a year to detect new dental problems.
What Are Digital X-Rays?
Digital x-rays (digital radiography) is the latest dental x-ray technology. This technique uses an electronic sensor instead of x-ray film, to capture and store the digital image on a computer. This image can be instantly viewed and enlarged helping the dentist and dental hygienist detect problems easier. Digital x-rays reduce radiation 80-90% compared to the already low exposure of traditional dental x-rays.
Are digital x-rays safe?
We are all exposed to natural radiation in our environment. Traditional x-rays heightened that exposure greatly. Digital x-rays, however, produce up to 90% less radiation – significantly lower than traditional dental x-rays.
However, even though digital x-rays produce a low level of radiation and are considered very safe, Dr. Stelmach and his staff still take necessary precautions to limit your exposure to radiation. We only take those x-rays that are necessary, and we always use shields to protect your body.
Benefits of Digital X-Rays
Low Radiation
Dr. Stelmach’s use of digital radiography and computer imaging reduces your exposure to X-ray radiation by 90%.
Comfortable in the Mouth
No more square, bulky and sharp-edged film containers in your mouth. Instead, a small flat electronic sensor is easily placed with no discomfort.
Instantly Developed
No more waiting until films are developed. Digital images are sent electronically to the computer and appear instantly on the screen. Dr. Stelmach reviews them with you to show you what’s going on in your mouth and explain what can be done.
Zoom Magnification
Computerized zoom magnification – and the ease of comparing current and previously taken digital x-rays – gives Dr. Stelmach an unparalleled ability to detect tiny changes and get an early start on treating small issues before they become big problems.
Better for Your Schedule
Digital x-rays are faster and more comfortable to take, which reduces your time in the dental office.
Better for the Environment
Not only are digital x-rays better for your health and safety, they are better for our planet. The electronic capture of images means there is no longer a need to develop x-rays, thus eliminating disposal of harmful waste and chemicals into the environment.