Since each and everyone is different and oral conditions vary, dental  X-rays allows us to detect and monitor dental problems and issues earlier before problems become out of control.

Dental X-rays are images that allow us to look at the hard structures of your oral cavity, and these include your teeth, the roots of your teeth, bone level of those structures.

Because we have employed digital radiography since our inception, we are able to minimize any radiation and the benefits definitely outweigh any negative with digital X-Ray photography.  In fact, being digital allows approximately 80% less than conventional techniques.

We routinely use digital X-rays to check for the following, although not limited to:

1. Decaying or rotting tooth structure, otherwise known as cavities
2. Decay underneath existing filling materials or restorations
3. Infections or abscesses in the gums or bone as a result of the tooth rot
4. Different stages of gum disease manifesting as bone loss in X-Rays
5. Current teeth position and newly developing teeth in children
6. Quality control of restorations we place in service in addition to monitoring existing fillings, crowns, caps, etc. in the mouth.

Because we pride ourselves in being able to provide comprehensive high quality dental care at our office, one of the first starting points is to be able gather comprehensive records, and that includes a complete set of diagnostic X-Rays, a comprehensive examination, clear and concise photographs, in addition to a pre-cancer tissue screening and a dental bite analysis, which we will discuss in future discussions.

If you’re visiting us for the very first time, it is very likely that a complete set (otherwise known as an FMX, or full mouth series of X-Rays) will be needed to gather the complete picture of the condition of the mouth so that we may provide the proper diagnosis and treatment plan if needed. This also allows us o set a baseline at our office for future comparative analysis of your dental conditions / progress over time.

We will then determine how often you need follow-up X-rays to monitor for changes in the health of your gums and teeth. The interval at which you receive follow-up dental X-rays will depend on your age, overall oral health, and risk of having dental problems in the future.

One important note is for clients that are or may be pregnant, is to avoid dental X-Rays if possible unless absolutely necessary.  This is because although the risk is extremely low, there is still a risk to the unborn baby.  The exception to this rule would be if X-Rays were needed  to diagnose a dental condition exists in the mouth where the infection is so great, where it is necessary to do a dental procedure to prevent the spread of infection to the unborn baby.