DIGITAL X-RAYS
Benefits of Digital X-rays
At our office, Lumbertown Dental Wellness in North Muskegon, MI, our dentist – Dr. James R. Donley is committed to providing safe, reliable and conservative treatment to our patients. That is why he chose to implement digital radiography into the office over 23 years ago! The lower radiation, the lack of needing caustic chemicals to process films, and the speed of being able to see the results were just a few of the reasons he selected digital intraoral x-rays. It also allows the doctor or our hygienist quick access to looking at the bone level or root when doing certain procedures.
Besides offering a great view of the teeth with approximately 85% less radiation exposure, digital x-rays can be shared with our specialists that we work with locally. It provides us with clearer and more accurate images. This makes it easier for us to communicate with them and again, limiting the amount of radiation you receive.
Digital Panoramic X-rays
In addition to using the digital x-rays for single pictures of the individual teeth, Dr. Donley invested in a PANORAMIC x-ray machine to take x-rays showing a broader view of the mouth all in one picture. This is tremendously helpful to identify if a patient has extra teeth, delayed eruption of teeth, crooked or crowded teeth, and cysts or infections that might not show up on “regular” x-rays. In addition, we are able to look at structures outside of the teeth, such as the sinuses and up to the jaw joint, – things that just don’t show up in traditional x-rays.
We can also use this to evaluate the TMJ, orthodontics, wisdom teeth, root canals, and bone levels when considering dental implants.
Dr. Donley mentioned that he has been able to identify extra teeth or conditions that previous dentists never saw, simply looking one tooth at a time, from using the panoramic x-rays. He had one patient that was 21 years old and an open bite. Upon taking a panoramic x-ray, we found she had an extra tooth in her palate that was contributing to the open bite and flared teeth!
If your dental office isn’t providing digital x-rays , perhaps it’s time for a change! Give us a call today!
