Importance of Digital Radiography in Dentistry

Digital radiography refers to x-ray imaging. It uses digital x-ray sensors to produced enhanced computer images of your dental structure. Digital radio graphs near Scars dale are used to detect, monitor, diagnose and treat dental issues.

The dental images used can be acquired through different methods. Some of the methods our dentist near you will use include;

• Direct method – It uses an electronic sensor that is placed directly in the mouth to record images.
• Semi-indirect method – This technique use the combination of the electronic sensor and the x-ray film. They are both used to convert dental x-rays in to digital films.
• Indirect method – The indirect method uses the x-ray film to view traditional x-rays as digital images.

Types of Digital Radiography

The digital radio graphs near you can either be extraoral or intraoral. The extraoral radiography is used to examine impacted teeth, temporomandibular joints, and any issues between the teeth and the jaws.

Types of extraoral X-rays include;

• Panoramic X-ray. When getting a panoramic x-ray, a machine is rotated around your head. It captures the teeth in the upper and lower jaw in a single image. The image records the emerged and growing teeth. A panoramic x-ray is used to diagnose tumors, detect abnormalities in jaws or wisdom teeth.
• Cephalometric Projections. They help with the examination of your teeth in relation to the jaw. It is usually used by orthodontics to come up with treatment options for teeth alignment or straitening.
• Tomograms. Some dental structures are difficult to access. Tomograms are able to focus on a particular part of the mouth while blurring others.
• Cone Beam CT. This creates 3D images of the bone structures, soft tissues, and nerves. It guides the dental practitioner when placing dental implants. The cone-beam CT is also used in detecting tumors or cysts that occur in the face and mouth.
• Sialography. A dye is injected into your saliva glands to visualize them. It is used to detect any abnormalities in the glands, such as Sjogren’s syndrome that affects saliva and tears production.

At Smile Scars dale Pediatric Dentistry & Family Orthodontics, intraoral x-rays are used to examine dental issues such as cavities. They also monitor the health of the teeth and the surrounding bones of our patients. Types of intraoral x-rays are;

• Bite way x-rays. They require you to bite a film that shows the details of both the upper and lower teeth. Images from the bite way expose the tooth from the crown to the supporting bone level. It is used to examine tooth decay or altercations of tooth density caused by gum disease. Bite ways also examine if the teeth are fit for restorations such as crowns or bridges.
• Periapical x-rays. This type of intraoral x-ray is used in monitoring abnormalities in the root or surrounding bones structure. They aid in the treatment of tooth abscess, gum disease, or periodontitis.
• Occlusal x-rays. They track the development of the teeth arch in both the upper and lower jaw.

The Advantages of Digital Radiography

Some of the advantages of going for digital radio graphs in Scars dale, NY, include;

Digital radio graphs can be directly viewed on a computer screen. In addition, they can be easily manipulated to improve the contrast and details. The images can also be transferred next to the patient’s chair to assist in interpretation and education.

The images can be stored electronically. Electronic storage provides easy access to the client’s medical history. It also allows great data storage in small drives saving great office space.

The electronic storage of data makes it easier to share information with insurance companies. It also makes it easier to share information with other consultants when sharing patients’ medical histories.

They are Eco friendly by eliminating the processing of chemicals and disposal of hazardous materials.

Some dental issues such as developmental abnormalities, tumors, bone or gum infections cannot be detected using the visual examination. However, a digital radio graph is able to reveal these hidden dental issues, and through the information provided by these machines, dental experts are able to schedule proper treatment.

There is limited exposure of radiation to clients compared to traditional x-rays. This is because the sensors used are more sensitive to x-ray photons.

For more information, visit digital radio graphs in 10583, Scars dale, NY.