What Digital X-Rays Can Detect
At Keen Smiles, we offer digital radiography, the latest in dental X-ray technology. Digital X-rays offer a significant improvement over traditional film X-rays because they require much less radiation and they can be viewed instantly. Using this quick and efficient technology, Keen Smiles can more effectively detect a number of oral issues, including the following:
- Bone loss
- Oral abnormalities
- Decay in and around the teeth
- Tumors and cysts
- Gum disease
- Movement of teeth
Keen Smiles recommends that all patients have new digital dental X-rays taken at every six-month check-up, no matter what your age or oral health status. Regular X-rays help us stay up-to-date on all changes in your oral health. When we’re able to quickly identify new dental issues, we’re able to treat those issues before they reach a more advanced (and potentially dangerous) stage. X-rays are especially important for new patients, as they help us determine the current state of your teeth and gums before we move forward with treatment.
How It Works
We have X-ray technology in our office, so the process is quick and easy. Your dental hygienist will guide you through the steps. You will wear a leaded apron over your abdomen, and you will hold assistive products in your mouth. The dental hygienist will control the machine and snap the pictures. After the X-rays have been taken, the images will be sent directly to a computer so that the doctor can view them right away. They will be stored in the computer as well. Keen Smiles may use the X-rays as a reference during your check-up, to show you where a problem is located before he explains its cause and treatment. If necessary, we can also send your X-ray images to another dentist or specialist.
The Safety of Digital X-Rays
Concerned about the safety of digital X-rays? Don’t be! Because we use safe digital X-rays, you and your family are exposed to a minimal amount of radiation. There is no need to worry. The risk of potentially harmful side effects is very small, and we reduce this risk even further by covering your abdomen with a leaded apron that minimizes your exposure to the radiation.
