What are Digital X-Rays?

Digital radiography (digital x-ray) is the latest technology used to take dental x-rays. This technique uses an electronic sensor (instead of x-ray film) that captures and stores 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.

Dental x-rays are essential, diagnostic tools that provide information not visible during a dental exam. Dentists and dental hygienists use this information to safely and accurately detect hidden problems and complete an accurate treatment plan. Without x-rays, problem areas may go undetected.

What the X-Ray can Reveal?

• Abscesses or cysts
• Bone loss
• Cancerous and non-cancerous tumours
• Decay between the teeth
• Developmental abnormalities
• Poor tooth and root positions
• Problems inside a tooth or below the gum line
• Detecting and treating dental problems at an early stage may save you time, money, unnecessary discomfort, and your teeth!

In the progressive field of dentistry, technologies and treatment techniques are continually redefined and reassessed. The dental community upholds a tradition of life-long learning, ensuring that our patients have continued access to the highest available standards of care. Our commitment to providing high quality care makes the safety of our patients and the dental team a priority. The technologies and equipment that we select must also be efficient, cost effective, and safe for the environment.

The addition of digital dental x-ray technology has met and exceeded the rigorous standards relating to our commitment to safety and quality. Dental x-rays, also referred to as radiographs, are a vital component to your comprehensive and periodic examinations. They enable dentists to detect decay (cavities) below the surface of the enamel and between the teeth. Restorations such as fillings, crowns, and root canals can be evaluated for defects and new decay. Periodontal disease, bone loss, and tarter buildup can be detected and addressed with x-rays. Developmental conditions, cysts, and dental implant procedures depend upon x-ray technology for proper evaluation and treatment.

The need for dental x-rays depends on each patient’s individual dental health needs. Your dentist 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.

A full mouth series of dental x-rays is recommended for new patients. A full series is usually good for a few years. Bite-wing x-rays (x-rays of top and bottom teeth biting together) are taken (check-up).

Who needs more frequent or regular radiographs? 

• Children – Many children need X-rays every six months to one year, depending on age, because they are highly likely to develop caries. X-rays also help monitor tooth development.
• Adults with extensive restoration work, including fillings – All the conditions that helped create the caries to begin with continue, making it necessary to check for decay beneath existing fillings or in new locations.
• Anyone who drinks sugary sodas, chocolate milk or coffee or tea with sugar – Even mildly sugary beverages create an environment in the mouth that’s perfect for decay, so anyone who drinks these beverages regularly will need to have more regular X-rays.
• People with periodontal (gum) disease – Periodontal treatments may need to be stepped up if there are significant or continuing signs of bone loss.
• People who are taking medications that lead to dry mouth, also called xerostomia – Saliva helps keep the acid levels (pH) in the mouth stable. In a dry mouth, the pH decreases, causing the minerals in the teeth to break down, leaving them prone to caries. Medications that can decrease saliva are those prescribed for hypertension, antidepressants, antianxiety drugs, antihistamines, diuretics, narcotics, anticonvulsants and anticholinergics.
• People who have dry mouth because of disease, such as Sjögren’s syndrome, or because of medical treatments that damaged the salivary glands, such as radiation to the head and neck for cancer treatment.
• Smokers, because smoking increases the risk of periodontal disease.

The safety benefits of digital radiography are not limited to patients. Dental team professionals benefit from lessened exposure to radiation with digital. In addition, they no longer need to spend time in an enclosed space with toxic chemicals as they develop film X-rays or refresh or dispose of film chemicals. My team members have commented about how much safer our office is since we installed digital radiography.

Also safe for the environment, digital technology reduces the need for disposable packaging, printing materials, and caustic developing solutions. The images are saved directly to the computer or formatted for email purposes; a virtually paper-free process.

The use of digital x-rays provides valuable information for both our dental team and the patient. Still, safety is a high priority, and digital x-rays provide a higher level of safety compared to traditional methods. Feel confident in selecting a dentist who makes your safety a priority by using digital x-ray equipment.

Tarzana Endodontics

5567 Reseda Blvd.
Suite 100
Tarzana, CA 91356
Phone: (818) 319-4340