X-ray diagnostics is an indispensable element of dental treatment. Tests with the use of ionizing radiation make it possible to diagnose pathological changes, are necessary for treatment planning, and enable ongoing control of treatment procedures.
Contact Now 586-775-4260Currently, digital radiography has replaced traditional X-ray images made on film. Digital devices for taking intraoral, pantomographic, cephalometric images, and tomographic examinations allow dentists to obtain the test result in real-time on a computer screen and reduce the exposure to radiation, and thus the radiation dose absorbed by the patient. Maxillofacial imaging is often the first step before any procedure can take place.
Dental volumetric tomography, CBCT (cone beam computed tomography), also known as conical tomography, brings new possibilities of imaging structures in 3D technology. It allows obtaining cross-sections similar to computed tomography (CT), with the layer of CBCT cross-sections being several times smaller, which gives it a qualitative advantage. The main applications of CBCT in diagnostics are primarily implantology, dental surgery, and endodontics.
Radiological control of root canal filling is an extremely important element of endodontic treatment. In practice, intraoral (adjacent, dental) images are used to assess the condition of root canal treated teeth. They evaluate the tightness of the root canal filling or the presence or absence of inflammatory changes in the tissues surrounding the tooth root (the periapical tissues).
Intraoral X-rays also allow your dentist to check the tightness of the fillings and to detect secondary tooth decays that develop under the dental fillings, which do not show any clinical signs of damage. It should be remembered that carious changes are visible on the X-ray when the demineralization (damage) of the tissues is at least forty percent.
The use of ionizing radiation (also called X-ray radiation) enables your doctor to collect the necessary information about the patient’s health, make a correct diagnosis, and implement appropriate treatment.
In a standard X-ray diagnostics, the image is captured on a special photosensitive film (placed in a cassette covered with reinforcing screens) and then developed by a radiological technician. Meanwhile, in digital radiography, images are not taken on a photosensitive film but in a digital form immediately transferred to the computer. The whole process takes only a few seconds, which significantly reduces the radiation exposure on the patient during the examination.
In addition, in digital radiography, even a not completely successful image allows for obtaining good image quality. In a classic X-ray examination, the image captured on a photographic plate cannot be changed. However, in digital technology, the image can be enlarged or reduced, display negative or positive charges, or adjust the contrast and saturation. Your dentist can also analyze a selected fragment of an image in detail and take appropriate measurements.
Traditional radiology requires taking multiple images (and multiple radiation exposures of the patient) to evaluate various anatomical structures. The digital image provides an assessment of both bones and soft tissues from a single exposure.
In conventional radiology, the image can be relatively easily damaged. The digital image is permanent and does not age.
The simplicity of data storage also speaks for the use of digital radiology. Classic X-ray film archives require a lot of space, and finding a photo after many years is often extremely difficult. The digital image archive can be kept on CDs, DVDs, or computer memory.
Finally, it is worth adding that going digital is also an eco-friendly solution because it eliminates the amount of waste generated in the production of films.
Based on the X-ray image, we are able to obtain valuable knowledge about the condition of the patient’s teeth and gums. Such information will allow us to plan further treatment. In addition, an X-ray will help the doctor spot possible infections, abscesses, and even small cysts and lumps. X-rays can also help identify abnormalities and disturbing symptoms in the mouth, such as impacted wisdom teeth.
Today’s modern dental practice differs from those that operated on the market 10-15 years ago. The very rapid development of technologies in the fields of diagnostics and treatment has made the modern dentist a doctor who no longer evokes bad associations or causes fear and anxiety. A visit to our dental practice takes place in an atmosphere of peace and relaxation. Our modern, non-invasive diagnostic methods, as well as painless and proven solutions, ensure that your health and smile are in good hands. At Kelly Road Dental Care, our dentists have the highest quality innovative types of equipment and materials, providing outstanding safety for our fellow patients.
