Digital X-Rays
Periodic dental x-rays allow our dentist to see below the surfaces of your teeth. Decay can hide underneath your enamel or just below the gumline, making it impossible to detect with just a visual dental exam.
Dental x-rays are an essential part of preventive dentistry. We will recommend them periodically to rule out any problems.
We Use an Ultra-Safe Digital Dental X-Ray System
Digital x-rays allow our dentists to accurately and efficiently diagnose dental conditions. When performed regularly, dental x-rays can allow us to make an earlier diagnosis that could prevent more serious dental conditions in the future.
What Makes Digital Dental X-Rays Different?
By implementing the use of digital dental x-rays in our office, we obtain the highest resolution digital images available. This allows our dentist to gain a more accurate analysis of the condition of your teeth as well as your periodontal and bone health.
By taking a proactive approach to your dental care, we are able to prevent many common dental conditions that lead to root canal treatment, painful emergencies, and even tooth loss.
How Digital X-Rays Work
We will place a small digital sensor in your mouth adjacent to the tooth or teeth we wish to capture. Our team will activate the x-ray machine, and in just a second or two, we will have a picture of the target area.
We will move the digital sensor around to each section of your mouth to obtain images of each tooth.
Benefits of Digital Dental X-Rays
Digital dental x-rays are extremely safe. They reduce the amount of radiation emitted during the process by as much as 80 percent. You receive more radiation by being outside on a sunny day than you do from digital dental x-rays, so there is no reason to worry.
The health benefits of getting routine dental x-rays far outweigh the risk. We are happy to answer any questions you may have about this process.
Because the images we capture are sent to our treatment room monitors, our dentist can bring them up on the screen for immediate review. This is especially important when diagnosing emergency dental conditions. That way, you do not have to wait for an answer and we can work quickly to relieve any discomfort you are experiencing.
Digital images allow us to zoom in, adjust exposure, and modify the contrast of each image, so our dentist always has the most accurate information about your oral health and can provide you with the best dental care possible.
Contact Us if It Is Time for Your Next Dental Exam
Give us a call and we will find a time that works for you. Our friendly and professional team looks forward to welcoming you to our dental office.
Frequently Asked Questions
As with all dental treatment, we personalize your dentistry to meet your health needs and will make recommendations designed to keep you healthy and comfortable. According to the ADA, for most patients, yearly x-rays are enough to evaluate your teeth, bone, and gums and identify any conditions that put your oral health at risk.
If you suffer from gum disease (periodontal disease) or you have a history of losing teeth, we may recommend x-rays more frequently. Conversely, if you do not have significant dentistry or a history of tooth decay, we may be able to schedule x-rays every two years if you remain healthy.
Here are some of the different types of x-rays commonly offered:
- Bitewing x-rays – checks for dental decay (yearly)
- Full mouth x-rays – examines the tooth structure from crown to root and assesses bone levels (every 3 to 5 years)
- Periapical x-rays – typically used for restorative dentistry or emergency dental appointments when an image of the whole tooth structure is needed (as needed)
- Panoramic x-rays – takes a comprehensive image of all of your teeth at once and includes your jaw joints, bone, and dental anatomy (every 3 to 5 years)
Every patient is different, and the timelines listed above are a generalization based on averages. We will adjust your x-ray recall schedule to ensure you always have up-to-date information regarding your oral health.
Meet Our Doctor:
Dr. Vishal Shah
Dr. Vishal Shah received his Bachelor of Science degree in biology from the University of Virginia. He then attended dental school at the Boston University School of Dental Medicine. Dr. Shah furthered his dental education by completing an advanced education in general dentistry program at the Medical College of Virginia School of Dentistry.
A member of the American Dental Association, the Virginia Dental Association, and is a Master of the Academy of General Dentistry, Dr. Shah is a caring and courteous dentist who puts the needs of his patients first. He ...