Dental Radiology With Digital X-Rays

We use the most modern x-ray technology available today, the Gendex Expert DC.

The Gendex Expert DC combines the legacy of dependability with the latest advances in electronic technology. This new direct current powerhouse delivers strong benefits to our practice: shorter exposures, reduced radiation, and truly consistent image quality. Its industry-leading focal spot of 0.4 mm creates significantly sharper images than other intraorals, regardless if you operate with digital sensors, PSP, or film. And our technology provides us with the sharpest image.

Sharper Images

The Expert DC’s industry-leading focal spot of 0.4 mm creates significantly sharper images than other intraorals, regardless if you operate with digital sensors, PSP, or film. Its state-of-the-art technology delivers consistent results with short exposures and maximizes image resolution by minimizing distortion. These features deliver radiographs with sharper detail for improved diagnostics.

It is possible for both tooth decay and periodontal disease to be missed during a clinical exam, and radiographic evaluation of the dental and periodontal tissues is a critical segment of the comprehensive oral examination

Because our x-ray machines are digital, your radiation exposure is reduced by about 90 percent! With this modern equipment the exposure time is in factions of a second. Thus we use technology that is designed to reduce radiation exposure levels. Dental x-rays in general, do not pose serious harm to the patients. However, X-rays still give out a certain amount of radiation, with this in mind; the clinic staffs and providers are well-informed and well-trained in using the digital x-ray. Exposure to all persons is kept As Low As Reasonably Achievable.

Dental digital x-rays are a product of technological advances. With these, the x-ray film is replaced with an electronic sensor which emits a small amount of x-rays into the part of the mouth it is pointed at, and relays information back to a computer screen, where both dentist and patient can clearly see how the patient’s teeth are doing.

How Digital Dental X-Rays Work

A small sensor or a special film is placed in your mouth. The sensor is connected to a computer by a thin wire. Next, an X-ray beam is sent through your teeth and into the sensor, which records the image of your teeth and sends it to the computer. The sensor can then be repositioned to photograph other sections of your teeth.

There are four types of x-rays:

  • Bitewing
  • Periapical
  • Palatal (also called occlusal)
  • Panoramic

The bitewing is when the patient bites on a paper tab and shows the crown portions of the top and bottom teeth together.

The periapical shows one or two complete teeth from crown to root.

A palatal or occlusal x-ray captures all the upper and lower teeth in one shot while the film rests on the biting surface of the teeth.

A panoramic x-ray requires a special machine that rotates around the head. The ex-ray captures the entire jaws and teeth in one shot. It’s used to plan treatment for dental implants, check for impacted wisdom teeth, and detect jaw problems. A panoramic x-ray is not good for detecting cavities, unless the decay is very advanced and deep.

Why Digital Dental X-Rays are Better

  • Maximum Image Quality – With dental digital X-rays, dentists can study exceptionally clear images. Conventional dental films provide a much lower resolution and require extensive reviewing prior to making a diagnosis. However, with digital imaging solutions, the image quality is superior and the diagnostic process is efficient.
  • Accurate Diagnoses – Because the images are far more superior compared to their dental film counterparts, the diagnostic capabilities of a dental digital X-ray are much more advanced and accurate. Digital radiography allows dentists to look at images on a large computer screen rather than a small film image; they can minimize or enlarge the image, as well as control the brightness and change the contrast. What’s more, dentists can see small fractures and tiny defects much more clearly on a dental digital x-ray.
  • Dentist & Patient Interaction – Unlike traditional film, digital imaging encourages interaction between the dentist and his or her patient. Instead of waiting for the images to develop in the back of the dentist’s office, the images pop up on the computer screen; together, the patient and dentist can go over what they discover. This enhances their relationship and helps the patient feel more at ease during his or her visit.
  • Easy Access – Because a dental digital x ray mostly takes place on a computer, images can be easily retrieved. Additionally, they can be merged and manipulated to allow for more information. With film, dentists run the risk of losing images; however, digital radiography safely stores images and provides dentists with easy access.