Digital X-rays
Beaverton, OR
 When we are looking at your mouth, whether as a part of your regular dental exam or to diagnose the cause of specific symptoms, we need to have a complete picture of your mouth. While there are many components that we can see, there are also several that are hidden from view. To see these hidden components, make an accurate diagnosis, and provide you with a treatment plan and services that will yield the best possible results, Summercrest Dental uses digital x-rays.
Why Do I Need X-rays?
When we examine your mouth, no matter if we are performing a regular oral exam or we are trying to get to the root of specific symptoms, we need to see everything that is going on. However, your mouth is comprised of numerous components, many of which are hidden from view. With x-rays, we can see the areas of your mouth that cannot be seen with the naked eye, including between your teeth, the roots of your teeth, and your jawbone and issues such as cysts or abscesses. We can spot cavities, damage to the roots of your teeth, damage or bone loss in your jaw. When we find these issues, your x-rays help us to provide you with an effective treatment plan unique to your needs.
The Problem with Traditional Technology
X-rays have been in use for many years to take images of your mouth. While effective, they do have some major disadvantages. One of the biggest drawbacks to traditional x-ray technology is that it relies on radiation to capture images. This radiation can cause patients to avoid getting x-rays taken. Without x-rays, oral health issues can go undiagnosed until they are in more advanced stages and require more invasive treatments.
The other major drawback to traditional x-ray technology is that the images have to be developed in a separate room. Developing these images takes time, which means that valuable appointment time is wasted. As a result, you have less time to understand your diagnosis and treatment options, as well as less time to ask questions.
What are Digital X-rays?
Digital x-rays are a modern advancement of traditional x-ray technology. Instead of radiation, digital x-rays use electronics to capture images of your mouth. When getting x-rays, we place a small electronic sensor in your mouth, which is attached to a computer. From the computer, we click a few buttons, and your pictures are taken. Within seconds, they appear on the monitor, ready for us to read.
Digital X-Ray Benefits
The benefits of digital x-rays include:
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Fast and simple.
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Just a few seconds after taking your x-rays, the images appear on the computer monitor. There is no need to develop the images in a separate room.
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With the use of computer software, we can manipulate your images in some different ways. We can zoom in on, and enhance, certain areas of the images. We can change the colors. These features allow us to see even the smallest details for a more accurate diagnosis and more effective treatment planning.
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More of your appointment time is spent with you. Because we do not have to develop the images, or even leave the room, we can devote your entire appointment to you, taking the time to explain your diagnosis and go over your treatment options. We can also take the time to answer your questions.
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Reduced radiation exposure. With digital x-rays, your radiation exposure is reduced up to 95%. |
With digital x-rays, we can see the smallest details of the hidden structures of your mouth. For more information, call Summercrest Dental today at (503) 649-7701. |
