Dental Digital Imaging
At Gentle Care Dentistry, we strive to ensure we have the latest technologies and treatments to provide all of our patients with the best dental care. As technology becomes more refined and advanced, a larger number of dental practices are making the switch from film to digital imaging. Digital imaging programs have various tools that allow dentists to obtain thorough and detailed assessments of the targeted tooth or teeth in an X-ray image or photograph. Digital X-rays also require roughly 80 percent less radiation than their traditional counterparts, making them a safer option for dental patients.
What Digital Imaging Can Do
Your dentist can use digital imaging X-rays to diagnose the following conditions:
- Cavities and other dental damage
- Periodontal disease
- Certain oral infections
- Oral growths
- Impaction
- Structural concerns
- Oral cancer screening
- Temporomandibular disorder (TMD)
Digital Imaging Technologies
Panorex
The Panorex digital dental X-ray imaging surpasses the capabilities of older technologies for identifying a multitude of dental conditions. The Panorex digital X-ray takes a single panoramic image of the teeth and surrounding areas, including the sinuses, bones, blood vessels in the neck, and temporomandibular joint (TMJ). Once the patient’s chin is positioned correctly on the designated ledge, this impressive imaging machine rotates around the head in a semicircle to take a full 360-degree image. The procedure is painless, takes only seconds to perform, and the image is immediately available for viewing. Panorex X-rays can be used for young children since film is not placed inside the mouth.
Intraoral Camera
The digital intraoral camera allows your dentist to get a close and detailed view of various parts of the mouth that would otherwise be difficult to reach. The ability to see obscured parts of the mouth helps the dentist determine necessary treatments and even preventative care for potential issues that may develop in the future. With the digital intraoral camera, many dental concerns are easily visible, which is beneficial for patient comfort and coverage approval from dental insurance companies.