What Are Digital X-Rays?
At Made Ya Smile Dental West 8, our team invests in the latest digital radiograph imaging to make the overall process of taking x-rays faster, safer, and easier for our patients. Dental x-rays are a diagnostic service that our general dentist uses to comprehensively evaluate oral health. A visual or clinical exam allows us to assess the health of your teeth, gums, tongue, and other soft tissues. X-rays, however, let us see beneath the gums and check the bone level and screen for other dental concerns. Some dental problems, like cysts, tooth impactions, cavities in between teeth and underneath fillings, and endodontic abscesses, can only be seen on dental x-rays. We may take x-rays yearly on a preventive basis or as needed to aid in the treatment of specific areas.
Our team is committed to providing the safest and most minimally invasive approach when it comes to treating our patients. As a state-of-the-art practice, we use digital x-rays, which produce significantly less radiation when compared to traditional film x-ray techniques. Digital x-rays produce high-quality images, improving our diagnostic abilities by showing structures in the jaw with an enhanced and greater definition. Safe for children and adults, digital x-rays allow us to more accurately plan for dental care and help your family enjoy the healthiest smiles dentistry has to offer. Talk to our Houston, TX team today to learn more about the benefits of digital dental x-rays.
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When Are Dental X-Rays Taken?
Your gum tissues work to protect and cover your teeth. But they also may hide oral conditions that may be occurring underneath. To gain a full understanding of your oral health, we take x-rays generally once each year and then as necessary to treat any issues that arise, such as oral pain or injury. Our team strives to minimize your exposure and take precautions to protect your health, even though only a small amount of radiation is produced from our advanced digital system. If you need x-rays during your visit, please tell a member of our team if you are pregnant or believe that you might be.
Dental x-rays are taken so that we can evaluate your jawbone, tooth roots, and other oral structures that are covered by your gum tissues. While some oral conditions cause pain or discomfort, others do not and may show no indications that a problem exists. X-rays tell us a great deal about your oral health and can help us identify a range of dental conditions early on when taken on a routine basis. This may include:
- Abscessed or infected teeth
- Bone loss in the jaw
- Impacted or unerupted teeth
- Cavities between teeth
- Cavities under restorations
- Damaged restorations
- Cysts or tumors
- Developmental concerns
- Malpositioned teeth
What Can I Expect With Digital Dental X-Rays?
Digital x-rays are a safer, faster alternative to traditional film radiographs and usually take less than ten minutes to take. With this high-tech system, there is no need for chemicals to develop radiographic films and the process overall is far more efficient. So that our team can refer to your images while providing your care, x-rays will usually be taken at the start of your visit. Our digital system uses a small sensor that is placed within your mouth next to the teeth we wish to evaluate. When the x-ray is exposed, the image of your teeth and jaw will transmit to our computer system within seconds. Your x-rays will become a permanent part of your patient file and will be evaluated carefully by us. We will be sure to review your x-rays with you and point out any concerns that may be affecting your dental health.
How Often Are Dental X-Rays Taken?
There are different types of x-rays that may be taken so that our team can evaluate various areas of your mouth and jaw. The type of x-rays that we recommend for you will depend upon your restorative or preventive needs and when your last x-rays were taken. When you visit Made Ya Smile Dental West 8 for the first time, we may recommend a panoramic or full series of x-rays so that we can provide a comprehensive examination. These types of x-rays are generally taken every 3 – 5 years. Each year, in between these comprehensive sets, bitewing x-rays are taken to allow us to check for cavities in between the teeth and monitor changes in your jawbone levels. When x-rays are taken as a preventive measure, oral problems can often be treated earlier and in a more conservative manner and reduce the need for more extensive treatment in the future. Individual x-rays may be necessary when you are experiencing pain or other symptoms in a specific area of the mouth. These x-rays will be used to aid us in providing a proper diagnosis for restorative or other treatment needs.
Are Digital X-Rays Covered by Insurance?
In many cases, bitewing x-rays are covered are least once a year while a panoramic or full series of x-rays are allowed every 3 – 5 years. We will reach out to your provider and let you know about your specific coverage amounts for your family's x-rays. We want you to get the care you need for a healthy and brilliant smile and are pleased to offer flexible payment solutions to help make your treatment even more affordable. For those who do not carry dental insurance, Made Ya Smile Dental West 8 offers an in-house dental savings plan. Talk to our friendly team today for more information.
Advanced Digital Imaging
Digital technology has vastly improved the dental experience for patients, especially when it comes to having x-rays taken. Our advanced system is faster, safer, and more comfortable than traditional film x-rays. It also gives us greater diagnostic ability to provide more comprehensive preventive and restorative care to our patients and deliver the best possible smile results. Learn more about our advanced digital system by scheduling your exam and x-ray visit at Made Ya Smile Dental West 8 in Houston, TX.
