Dental X-Rays
Why Are Dental X-Rays Important?
Dental x-rays—also called radiographs—are a very important part of a patients dental exam and help determine a patients dental treatment. These x-rays and specifically digital x rays are an invaluable, preventive and diagnostic tool. They provide x-ray photos of your teeth and jawbones.
What Do Dental X-Rays Show Us?
Dental x-rays provide details about a patient’s mouth that are not visible to the naked eye. They enable dentists to look at what’s happening inside your teeth, under your gums and evaluate the bone that supports your teeth. Dental x-rays can help detect problem areas like cavities or tooth decay, failing older dental work, visualize impacted teeth, see eruption of new teeth in children, identify bone loss that is a by-product of gum disease, determine if there is adequate bone for dental implants, and even find hidden dental abnormalities. Dental x-rays are completely safe and are typically performed yearly during your annual check-up.
Dental Digital Radiography
Sodini Dental uses digital dental x-ray technology. Digital dental x-rays expose patients to less radiation than traditional x-ray technology. Never the less, special precautions are taken with any radiography — like wearing a lead vest with a thyroid collar to protect against low levels of radiation exposure. Dental X-rays are performed by a dental professional. The digital X-ray sensor replaces traditional dental film.
Preparing for Digital X-Rays
The digital sensory is appropriately positioned into a patient’s mouth. Then, the x-ray machine is moved into position and a picture is taken. This digital picture is sent to a computer screen and a dentist or hygienist can instantly view the information. The x-ray image is much larger than the sensor, allowing dental providers to read and interpret clearer dental photos. This allows for a more accurate and complete treatment plan.
Our dental practice in Skokie performs digital radiography in the same room as cleanings and other procedures.
Types of Dental Radiographs Provided at Sodini Dental
There are different types of dental radiographs that are taken in our dental office.
Bitewing X-Rays: this image offers a visual of both the lower and upper teeth. Bitewings are used to help locate dental problems like tooth decay between teeth and evaluate the possible bone loss.
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Periapical X-Rays: This detailed dental image provides a view of the entire tooth — from the crown to root to the bone.
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Both bitewing and periapical radiographs utilize the same sensor, it is just positioned in a different way.