At Dental Designs of Stroud, patient safety is our highest priority. We have eliminated traditional film radiology in favor of advanced digital x-rays. This modern technology provides superior diagnostic capabilities while ensuring your visit to our Stroud, OK office is safe and efficient.
Digital x-rays use electronic sensors to capture highly detailed images of your teeth and jaw. These images appear instantly on a computer screen, allowing our team to share their findings with you immediately.
Why Digital X-Rays Are Superior
The transition from film to digital offers significant benefits for our patients.
- Reduced radiation: Digital sensors require significantly less radiation to capture an image compared to traditional film. Patients experience a radiation reduction of up to 90 percent.
- Instant results: There is no waiting for the film to develop. Images are available immediately, reducing the time you spend in the dental chair.
- Enhanced diagnostics: Digital images can be enlarged, sharpened, and adjusted. This allows us to detect small issues that might be missed on film.
- Environmental safety: Digital imaging eliminates the need for the toxic chemicals used to develop film.
Diagnosing What We Cannot See
During a visual exam, we can only see the surfaces of your teeth and gums. However, many dental problems begin between the teeth or beneath the gum line.
Digital x-rays provide a view into these hidden areas. They allow us to:
- View the roots of your teeth and the surrounding bone.
- Detect cavities developing between teeth.
- Identify cysts, abscesses, or other infections.
- Monitor the development of unerupted teeth in children.
- Check the health of the jawbone.
By identifying these issues early, we can treat them promptly. This approach often helps patients avoid discomfort and more complex, expensive procedures in the future.
How The Process Works
Taking digital x-rays is a quick and comfortable process.
- The sensor: A small digital sensor is placed inside your mouth. This replaces the sharp, uncomfortable cardboard tabs used in the past.
- The capture: The image is taken in seconds and transmitted directly to our computer software.
- The review: You can view your x-rays alongside the doctor on a monitor in the treatment room. This “co-diagnosis” approach helps you understand exactly what is happening in your mouth and why a specific treatment may be recommended.
Types Of Digital X-Rays We Use
Different dental issues require different views. Depending on your specific needs, we may utilize several types of digital imaging.
These are the most common images taken during routine checkups. You bite down on a special holder while the sensor captures the crowns of your upper and lower teeth.
- Purpose: To detect decay between teeth and check the fit of dental restorations.
- Bone health: They also help us evaluate early signs of bone loss due to gum disease.
A periapical x-ray captures an image of the entire tooth, from the chewing surface down to the tip of the root and the supporting bone.
- Purpose: To identify infections, abscesses, or cysts at the root tip.
- Trauma: Essential for evaluating teeth that have been injured.
This machine rotates around your head to capture a single, wide image of your entire mouth, including all upper and lower teeth, the jaw joints (TMJ), and the nasal sinuses.
- Purpose: To assess wisdom teeth, plan for dental implants, or evaluate jaw alignment.
- Comfort: The sensor does not go inside your mouth, making it ideal for patients with a sensitive gag reflex.
Frequency Of X-Rays
We do not believe in “one size fits all” dentistry. The frequency of your x-rays depends entirely on your unique oral health history and current condition. We will review your medical history and clinical signs to determine when images are necessary. We only take x-rays when they provide essential information to guide your care.
Schedule Your Appointment
Experience the difference in modern, safe dental technology. Contact Dental Designs of Stroud today to schedule your comprehensive exam. We are proud to serve patients from Stroud, OK, Chandler, and Bristow with advanced diagnostic care.