Digital Radiography

Dental radiography (“X-Rays”) is an important part of our patient examinations.  Radiography detects “hidden” conditions which cannot be seen clinically:

1. Tooth decay between the teeth, under fillings and under the gum line
2. Bone loss around the teeth
3. Congenitally missing teeth or extra (supernumerary) teeth
4. Long or crooked roots that will require special procedures if endodontic (root canal) treatment is provided or if the tooth needs to be extracted
5. Abscesses which can form at the end of roots
6. Cysts or tumors in the jaws

Traditional dental radiography using “X-ray” film exposes the patient to relatively minimal radiation.  However, our office utilizes digital radiography which requires even less radiation for excellent diagnostic quality images of your teeth and jaw bone.  Digital radiography utilizes the same X-ray machine, but at 1/10th the radiation exposure.  The difference is that instead of using X-ray film, a digital sensor is used.  The digital sensor is about the same size as an X-ray film, but has a small cord that connects it to the computer.  We no longer use the terms “X-rays” or “X-ray films”, but now use the term “digital images”.

There are many other advantages to digital radiography:  The images of your teeth are easily stored chronologically in your computer chart; The images can be easily and very accurately duplicated or emailed (to you or to a specialist for review); The images can be enlarged and enhanced with the computer software for more accurate interpretation. 

"Digital images on computer screen ...	using software enhancements to enlarge ...	... or, to clarify your digital images."

The digital images of your teeth which are routinely taken in my office vary with each patient's individual needs, but closely follow those recommended by the American Dental Association for the traditional X-ray films.  On adult patients a full mouth series of 18 periapical  films should be taken every 3 to 5 years to evaluate the entire dental and periodontal (bone level) health.  Our office utilizes one digital panoramic in place of the 18 films.  The digital panoramic is faster and more comfortable for the patient.

Four “bitewing” (also termed the “check-up”) images are usually taken every 12 months to detect decay between teeth and under the older fillings.  Bitewing images taken on a yearly basis enable the clinician to detect decay in its earliest stages and allow for more conservative treatment.  Without these periodic images, decay can go undetected until they are so large that they can then be seen with the naked eye.  This would result in more tooth damage from decay and a larger filling.  I also recommend 2 anterior (front teeth) periapical images every 2 years to detect interproximal (in between teeth) decay and cyst formation at the root tips.  The front teeth are the most frequently traumatized teeth, therefore the most frequently subjected to cyst formation. 

For children, I recommend 2 bitewing images taken once a year beginning at age 4, and 2 anterior periapical images taken every 2 years.  I also recommend a digital panoramic image taken by age 5 to evaluate the developing permanent teeth.  The digital panoramic image will show if all permanent teeth are present and developing normally in size and position.