Digital X-Rays
Accurate diagnosis is the foundation of great dental care, and digital x-rays give us a clearer picture of your oral health than ever before. At Mt. Hermon Dental Care, we use the latest digital imaging technology to detect problems early and provide you with the most precise, effective treatment possible.
What Digital X-Rays Can Reveal
Digital x-rays allow us to see beyond the surface of your teeth and gums to identify issues that would otherwise go undetected during a routine exam. Early detection means simpler, less costly treatment and better long-term outcomes for your smile. Digital x-rays can help us identify:
- Tooth decay between teeth
- Infections or abscesses
- Bone loss from gum disease
- Impacted or unerupted teeth
- Cysts or tumors
- Root damage or fractures
- Problems with existing restorations
- Developmental abnormalities
How Digital X-Rays Work
Digital x-rays use a small sensor placed inside your mouth to capture detailed images of your teeth and jaw. The sensor transmits the images instantly to a chairside monitor, where we can review them with you in real time. There is no waiting for film to develop and no guesswork — just clear, accurate images that help us make well-informed decisions about your care.
The process is quick and comfortable. We will position the sensor carefully to capture each area of your mouth and walk you through what we are seeing as we go. Most patients find the experience far more comfortable than traditional x-rays, and the images we capture are significantly more detailed.
Are Digital X-Rays Safe?
Digital x-rays emit up to 90 percent less radiation than conventional film x-rays, making them one of the safest diagnostic tools available in modern dentistry. The exposure involved in a routine set of digital x-rays is minimal, comparable to the amount of radiation you encounter on a short airplane flight.
We take every precaution to ensure your safety during imaging, including the use of a lead apron. If you are pregnant or have concerns about radiation exposure, we encourage you to let us know so we can discuss your options and take the appropriate steps to keep you comfortable.
Bitewing X-Rays
Bitewing x-rays are the most common type of dental x-ray and are typically taken during routine checkups. They show the upper and lower back teeth in a single image, giving us a clear view of how the teeth fit together and allowing us to spot decay between teeth and changes in bone density caused by gum disease.
During a bitewing x-ray, you will bite down gently on a small tab that holds the sensor in position while the image is captured. The process takes only a few seconds and is completely painless. A standard set of bitewing x-rays covers the entire back portion of your mouth and gives us the information we need to stay ahead of developing problems.
Full Mouth Series
A full mouth series is a comprehensive set of x-rays that captures every tooth in your mouth, including the roots and surrounding bone. It gives us the most complete picture of your oral health available and is typically recommended for new patients or those who have not had x-rays taken in several years.
A full mouth series is made up of a combination of periapical and bitewing images, each targeting a specific area of the mouth. Together they allow us to evaluate the health of every tooth from crown to root and identify any concerns that may need to be addressed. We use this information to build a thorough treatment plan tailored to your individual needs.
Digital X-Rays for Children
Children’s teeth and jaws are constantly developing, and digital x-rays play an important role in monitoring that growth. X-rays allow us to track the development of incoming permanent teeth, identify decay between baby teeth, and spot any alignment or spacing issues early enough to address them before they become more complex.
We take a thoughtful approach to x-rays for younger patients, always using the lowest possible exposure settings and taking only the images necessary to get the information we need. Digital x-rays are particularly well suited for children because of their significantly reduced radiation levels and the speed and comfort of the process. We will recommend an imaging schedule based on your child’s age, dental history, and individual risk factors.
X-Rays and Gum Disease
Gum disease affects not just the soft tissue of your gums but also the bone that supports your teeth. X-rays are an essential tool in detecting and monitoring bone loss caused by periodontal disease, which is not visible during a clinical exam alone. Early detection allows us to intervene before significant damage has occurred.
If we identify signs of bone loss on your x-rays, we will discuss your options for treatment and work with you to get your gum health back on track. Monitoring changes in bone levels over time also allows us to measure the effectiveness of treatment and make adjustments as needed. Regular x-rays are an important part of managing gum disease and protecting your teeth for the long term.
How much do digital x-rays cost?
The cost of digital x-rays depends on the type and number of images needed. Routine bitewing x-rays taken during a checkup are among the most affordable diagnostic tools in dentistry, and many dental insurance plans cover them at little or no cost to you. We will review your coverage and provide you with a clear picture of any out-of-pocket costs before we proceed.
How often should I have x-rays taken?
How frequently you need x-rays depends on your age, oral health history, and risk factors for decay or gum disease. For most adults in good oral health, bitewing x-rays are recommended once a year. Patients with a history of dental problems or those undergoing active treatment may need them more often. We will recommend an imaging schedule that is right for your individual needs.
Why digital x-rays are better than traditional x-rays
Traditional film x-rays require chemical processing, take time to develop, and produce images that are harder to enhance or share. Digital x-rays are available instantly, can be enlarged and adjusted for better clarity, and are stored securely in your patient file for easy comparison at future visits. They also produce a fraction of the radiation, making them a safer and more practical choice for patients of all ages.
Panoramic X-Rays
While standard digital x-rays give us a detailed view of individual teeth, panoramic x-rays capture the entire mouth in a single image. This includes all of your teeth, your upper and lower jaw, your sinuses, and your temporomandibular joints. It is a valuable diagnostic tool that gives us a broad overview of your oral and facial structures in one image.
Taking a panoramic x-ray is simple and non-invasive. You will stand in front of the machine while it rotates slowly around your head, capturing the full image in a matter of seconds. There is nothing to bite down on and nothing placed inside your mouth, making it a comfortable experience for virtually all patients.
Panoramic x-rays are particularly useful for evaluating the position of wisdom teeth and determining whether they need to be removed. They also help us assess the jawbone prior to implant placement and detect any structural concerns that may not be visible on standard images.
We may recommend a panoramic x-ray as part of your initial comprehensive exam or at key points in your treatment. Combined with standard digital x-rays, panoramic imaging gives us the most complete picture of your oral health available.
For patients with dental anxiety or a strong gag reflex, panoramic x-rays can be a welcome alternative to traditional intraoral imaging. Because nothing is placed inside the mouth, the experience is far more tolerable for patients who struggle with conventional x-rays.
Panoramic x-rays are an important part of our commitment to thorough, proactive dental care. Having a complete view of your oral structures means we can catch developing problems early and plan your treatment with confidence.
See Your Smile in a Whole New Light
At Mt. Hermon Dental Care, digital x-rays are just one of the ways we stay ahead of problems before they become bigger ones. If you are due for an exam or have questions about our imaging technology, contact our Scotts Valley office today to schedule your appointment.
