Dental X-Ray
San Jose, CA
 Compared to traditional x-rays, digital x-rays have many benefits.
Digital x-rays are commonly known for their safe and efficient ability to carry out dental exams. It is known that traditional dental x-rays expose patients to radiation, although at low levels.
However, the safest way to have an x-ray undertaken without worrying about any amount of radiation emissions is to use a digital x-ray. There is a low percentage of radiation emissions, up to 90% less during dental cleanings and exams.
Digital x-rays at Nancy Shiba, DDS are well maintained and cleaned to assure patients’ safety during the entire treatment process.
Digital X-Rays Protocol
There is no difference in the process patients go through when using a traditional x-ray with digital x-rays. The process involves a dental practitioner inserting a sensor inside a patient’s mouth, capturing a picture of the jaw and teeth.
Information from the sensor is sent directly to the practitioner's computer for later viewing. Aside from that, both a scanner and a sensor can be used to give out the digital image. The method depends on the type and make of the x-ray used at that time.
Benefits of Digital X-Rays
The image size depends on how big a practitioner wants it when interpreting. This is because, with digital x-rays, adjustments are possible, which can be, magnifying or enlarging the images at the positions where close contact is needed.
In case of any micro-cavities on the teeth, they can be identified due to the adjusting ability of these digital machines. Digital radiography enhances diagnoses of any issues that need quick and more efficient techniques.
This can be done even if the x-ray film has not yet been developed. The images are clear, and patients can see them on the screens of their dentists where an issue is seen, and more explanation is required.
In case a second solution is required, the digital images can be transferred via email to a dental practitioner. With these advancements in dental technology, this is considered the most efficient and faster than x-ray films. Digital x-rays are also environmentally friendly compared to conventional x-rays.
Why Digital X-Rays Are Needed
Dentists can only see the teeth on the upper part of the gum when a dental examination is carried out. Thus, the rest of the mouth is hidden from a deeper viewing. Some of these hidden parts of the mouth include places between the teeth and the tooth roots.
When a dental x-ray is done, all these hidden areas are visible in the images. These areas are among the most affected areas where cavities and infections caused by bacteria are seen. In case of any symptoms of infection, a digital x-ray is very quick to reveal what is going on.
The extent of the infection can also be seen through digital x-rays. After the dental exam results, a dentist comes up with the correct treatment suitable for a patient.
Is Digital X-ray Needed Frequently?
Children require frequent dental x-rays compared to adults, who need them less frequently. The medical history or dental health of a patient determines how frequently they will need an x-ray.
For instance, patients who are pointed out to be at high risk for a dental disease are needed to have frequent x-rays.
However, x-rays are only recommended when there is a need to. In cases where a patient has had a dental injury, a digital x-ray is needed so that the dentist can see the extent of the injuries.
Different Types of Digital X-Rays
Dental x-rays are usually taken two ways. For instance, an x-ray can be taken outside the mouth, referred to as extraoral, while the other type of x-ray, usually of the inside, is intraoral.
In most scenarios, intraoral has become the most common, which provides the present condition of the teeth. Below are some examples of intraoral x-rays.
Bite-wing x-rays are the x-ray in which you are asked to bite a sensor down for a specific area around your mouth to be seen. If there is suspected decay inside the teeth, this x-ray is used. It can also assess the integrity and fit of dental placements, such as fillings and crowns.
Periapical x-rays are a type of x-ray that shows the whole image of the tooth from its root to the crown and also the surrounding bone after a dental exam. For undetected bone loss and dental abscesses, this type of digital x-ray is used.
Under extra oral x-rays, panoramic is the machine used by rotating around the head to give one detailed image that assesses jaw issues and impacted teeth. When implant planning is required, this type of panoramic x-ray is used.
Digital X-ray Safety
The digital plates and sensors are made of barriers that protect you from any possible exposure to radiation. These barriers also prevent any possible infection and cross-contamination.
In addition, the easy access to digital x-rays enables patients to carry along a printed image copy. Insurance companies may need copies, which are sent through an electronic system that allows speeding insurance claims.
Learn more benefits of digital x-rays from our dentist, Nancy Shiba, DDS.
The safest x-ray that is carried out in the medical field is none other than digital dental x-rays. Our dentist at Nancy Shiba, DDS is well trained on how to operate the x-ray machines so that they can effectively come out with effective dental exam results for our patients’ oral health conditions and maintain COVID-19 protocols.
Professionals at our dental clinic ensure they use protective gear for patients, in addition to operating our machines safely. This limits the low exposure. Pregnant women can safely have their x-rays done even at the later stages of their pregnancies.
Questions? Call!
To schedule your next appointment with us you can call us at (669) 306-7669. We will be happy to further discuss digital x-rays with you and answer any questions you may have. |
