X-ray imaging plays a pivotal role in dental care, as it’s a crucial diagnostic tool dentists rely on.
The dental field has recently seen a shake-up in dental X-rays, as most dental practices have embraced digital imaging. This technology replaces traditional film X-rays with digitally created X-ray images. Digital X-rays use similar technology as the older film X-rays, but they offer numerous advantages, including:
Let’s dive deeper into dental X-rays and explore the importance, advancements, and benefits of this technology.
X-ray imaging is a cornerstone of modern dentistry. It gives a dental professional a comprehensive view of the patient’s oral health and reveals what the naked eye cannot see.
Dental X-rays are instrumental in detecting hidden dental structures, malignant or benign masses, bone loss, cavities, and more for our patients Dental clinics adhere to these guidelines and ensure only certified and experienced dental radiologists and technicians perform X-ray imaging.
Some key reasons dental X-rays are important include:
dentistry has seen significant technological advancements over the years. One of the most notable changes has been the shift from traditional film X-rays to digital imaging.
Digital imaging has largely replaced traditional film X-rays in modern practices. This is due to the numerous benefits it offers, including better image quality, immediate viewing, and less radiation exposure.
Digital X-rays emit up to 90% less radiation than traditional film X-rays, making them safer for patients, especially those who require frequent X-rays. Digital X-rays’ clarity and detail provide better diagnostics and patient outcomes. They also allow the dentist and patient to immediately view the X-rays, facilitating a more interactive approach to dental care.
Many dental practices have embraced this technology, ensuring their patients receive the best care possible.
Monarch Dental offers advanced X-ray imaging services to help us meet our goal of delivering high-quality dental care for our patients by giving our dentists clearer images to work with. This shift also allows us to continue to focus on patient safety thanks to digital X-ray imaging emitting far less harmful radiation.
Monarch Dental also focuses on patient comfort, and digital dental X-rays make the X-ray process faster and more comfortable for patients. Gone are the days of holding uncomfortable plastic in your mouth for multiple images of the same area and having a hefty lead vest draped over you. Now, you can sit comfortably while the dentist quickly takes X-rays and reviews them live to ensure they’re acceptable.
When looking for a dentist to perform dental X-rays near you, you must consider several factors.
First, you want to ensure you choose a dental provider that uses digital imaging technology. This ensures lower radiation exposure, better image quality, and a faster, more comfortable X-ray process.
You also want to consider the range of services offered. Some clinics offer specialized X-ray imaging for specific dental needs. It is important to find a provider who can accommodate your dental health requirements.
Lastly, consider the clinic’s commitment to patient safety and comfort. This includes using protective measures during X-ray imaging and a comfortable patient experience.
Fortunately, Monarch Dental meets all these needs. Our state-of-the-art facilities use digital imaging, offer a wide range of X-ray services, and prioritize patient safety and comfort.
Getting a dental X-ray is straightforward.
Depending on the technology, your dentist may place a lead apron and thyroid collar on you. These protective measures help to minimize radiation exposure. At Monarch Dental, we use digital imaging technology, so these are no longer necessary unless you request them.
Next, the dental professional will position a digital sensor in your mouth. This sensor captures X-ray images. The X-ray operator will then aim the X-ray machine at your mouth and the sensor and activate the X-ray machine to take the digital image.
Once the sensor captures the images, the operator and dentist can immediately view them and discuss the results with you, providing a more interactive approach to your dental care.
Remember, dental X-ray imaging is a noninvasive procedure that is crucial for maintaining oral health and detecting potential issues early.
Dental X-rays are categorized into two main types: intraoral and extraoral.
The key difference between these is where the dentist places the X-ray sensor — or the film in an older X-ray system. Let’s review both.
In intraoral X-rays, the sensor or film goes inside the mouth.
Intraoral X-rays, the most common X-ray type, provide detailed images of individual teeth. These dental X-rays are useful for detecting cavities, checking the health of the tooth root and bone surrounding the tooth, and monitoring the general tooth and jawbone health.
Some subtypes of intraoral X-rays include:
An extraoral X-ray uses a film or sensor outside the mouth to show a broader view of the entire mouth area. It is great for detecting impacted teeth, monitoring jaw development and growth, and identifying potential problems between teeth, jaws, and temporomandibular joints (TMJ).
Some subtypes of extraoral X-rays include:
Dental X-ray imaging is an essential part of dentistry emit up to 90% less radiation compared to traditional film X-rays, making them a safer choice for patients.
Dental practices adhere to strict safety protocols during X-ray imaging. These include:
These measures ensure dental X-ray imaging is safe and beneficial for patients.
Dental X-ray imaging is constantly evolving as companies continue to develop new technologies and techniques to improve patient care.
In most major cities, dental practices are quick to adopt the latest in X-ray imaging technology. This ensures patients receive the most accurate diagnosis and effective treatment.
The future of dental X-rays near you looks promising, especially at Monarch Dental. With ongoing research and development, patients can expect even safer and more precise dental X-rays, and Monarch Dental adopts the newest technologies almost as quickly as they come out.
Dental x-rays are just one of the many services Monarch Dental offers and are important to comprehensive dental care.
Monarch Dental includes dental x-rays as part of our routine exams — both of which are free with membership in our OneSmile Dental Plan — and we can perform them right in our office.
If you’re due for dental x-rays or have never had them, schedule an appointment today at your nearest Monarch Dental location you.
Dental X-rays are a fast, easy, and affordable way to get the most out of your dental care and keep your smile healthy for a lifetime.
Orthodontics may be provided by general dentists.
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