WHERE ART MEETS SCIENCE
Our Technology
Dental X-Rays
WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN GETTING DENTAL X-RAYS
Dental x-rays are an important part of routine dental care and your dental examination as the x-ray allows the dentist to have a clear picture of your oral and dental health.
X-rays are typically performed annually unless otherwise recommended by your dentist. To begin, the dental assistant will have you sit in a chair and will lay a lead “blanket” or “bib” over your trunk and pelvic regions to protect your vital organs from any radiation exposure. Depending on the type of images needed, the X-ray technician may ask you to bite down on a special piece of paper inserted into your mouth in order to get a certain view of your bite and how your upper and lower teeth meet each other.
Safety Matters
ARE DENTAL X-RAYS DANGEROUS?
Some patients worry about the safety of dental X-rays due to radiation exposure. However, the American Dental Association’s Division of Science states that, according to the American Nuclear Society, the radiation dose from dental X-rays is about .15% of the average person’s annual background radiation exposure from natural sources.
At Dental Dimensions, we employ the As Low As Reasonably Achievable (ALARA) strategy to minimize your time and radiation exposure in all imaging procedures. In addition to the radiation levels being very low, the lead vest used in the procedure provides an additional layer of protection for your vital organs against unnecessary exposure. Thus, dental X-rays are considered safe for all ages, including pregnant women, when used properly with lead shielding and protective coverings.
CBCT Imaging
WHAT IS THE PROCESS OF GETTING A 3D IMAGE OF YOUR TEETH AND MOUTH
The process of 3-D imaging is typically quicker than that of traditional X-rays. Before the X-ray, a technician will ask you to sit with your chin on a chin rest to prevent movement during the imaging process. A machine called a cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) system will rotate around your head on a mechanical arm and take 100 to 600 images of your mouth in a few seconds.
The Benefits of Three Dimensional Images
WHO NEEDS 3D DIAGNOSTIC IMAGING?
Patients who plan to receive dental implants, extractions, TMJ treatment, oral surgery, or root canal treatment typically undergo 3-D imaging to create a custom treatment plan. Additionally, our Lake Highlands dentist can use 3-D images to diagnose facial or tooth pain.
Our 3D Imaging service utilizes cutting-edge technology to provide our patients with the most accurate diagnoses and treatment planning. An added benefit is that it exposes the patient to less radiation than traditional X-rays. With our digital X-rays and advanced imaging software, we can ensure that our patients receive the highest-quality care.
LESS RADIATION. FASTER RESULTS.
Portable X-Ray Gun
At Dental Dimensions, we provide our patients with the convenience of a portable dental X-ray gun. This handheld imaging device allows dentists to take dental radiographs directly at the patient’s chair, instead of relying on a large, fixed X-ray machine.
Our goal is to provide each patient with a convenient and comfortable experience. With a portable X-ray gun, we can quickly take images without moving the patient to another room. This technology also allows for faster diagnosis, enabling Dr. Bishop to detect cavities, infections, bone loss, or other dental issues during the same visit and start treatment sooner.
THE LATEST IN DENTAL TECHNOLOGY
Intraoral Digital Scanner
Intraoral (inside the mouth) imaging is used to obtain a closer view of specific parts of the mouth. The bitewing view captures the crowns of posterior teeth, while periapical views show the roots and help determine the source of pain.
Occlusal views allow Dr. Bishop to see the deeper bone structures in the floor or roof of the mouth. All of these views can be used to determine sources of pain, reveal early-stage cavities in areas that are more difficult to see without imaging, and identify orthodontic problems at their earliest stages, thereby minimizing treatment length and invasiveness.
