Digital X-Rays

Why are dental digital X-rays important?

Dental X-rays are an important part of your preventive dental care. Only a small portion of your teeth can be seen with the naked eye and X-rays help Dr. Wanuck to carefully examine your teeth, inside and out.

For example, Dr. Wanuck might use digital X-rays to check for signs of cavities inside your teeth, possibly under existing fillings. If you have any decay present between your teeth, Dr. Wanuck can see it. Dr. Wanuck can also use digital X-rays to diagnose bone deterioration that can result from gum disease.

Dental X-rays help the professionals of Wanuck, Hier & Associates to diagnose various dental conditions, plan other dental procedures, evaluate orthodontic treatments, and more. Wanuck, Hier & Associates provides intraoral and extraoral X-rays and an in-office panoramic X-ray machine.

How does digital X-ray technology work?

Digital X-ray technology involves a small electronic sensor Dr. Wanuck places in your mouth. The sensor captures an image and transmits it to a computer screen.

The X-ray energy passes through your soft tissues and gets absorbed by dense tissue. Your bone and teeth are dense, so they absorb X-rays. X-rays pass more easily through your gums and cheeks.

Dr. Wanuck or a trained dental professional covers you with a heavy lead apron to help protect your body from the radiation. Dr. Wanuck inserts a small apparatus, made of plastic, into your mouth. You bite down on the small apparatus to hold your X-ray film in place. Next, Dr. Wanuck or the dental professional takes the X-ray pictures.

X-ray images were previously maintained on large film sheets. With digital X-rays, images are now digital files that are conveniently electronically stored and easily accessible.

Are dental X-rays safe?

Digital X-ray exams are safe for men, women, and children. X-rays do require a small amount of radiation to produce the images of your bones and teeth, but the amount of radiation needed is so tiny, the risk is minimal. Thanks to modern advancements in dental technology and X-ray machines, the quantity of radiation needed for dental X-rays is much lower.

You can still have X-rays if you’re pregnant. Dr. Wanuck covers you with a special protective apron and thyroid collar as a precaution.

If you think it’s time for your dental checkup and digital X-rays, call Wanuck, Hier & Associates, or request an appointment online today.