Santa Barbara Digital Dental X-Rays
Digital dental x-rays work similar to all other types of x-rays you may get following an accident, illness, or injury. Controlled pulses of radiation are used to create an image of the patient's internal jaw and mouth structures. In dentistry, we use these images to find evidence of bone or gum loss, cavities, tumors, abnormal structures within the lower area of the head, and signs of periodontal disease.
Like all other types of x-rays, dental x-rays make use of the natural density within the mouth and jaw. Cavities show up easily because they are less dense than healthy teeth, and therefore they are often used during initial office visits to determine just how many cavities a patient may have, as well as pinpoint any other oral health issues.
When are Dental X-Rays Needed?
Many dental exams include x-rays to give us a comprehensive picture of your oral health. These simple imaging scans can help us keep your teeth and gums healthy because we can see minor issues before they become a much larger problem.
When the early onset of cavities or signs of periodontal disease are found in a digital x-ray, we can help you take preventative measures and protect your teeth from harm. In some cases, it may even be possible to reverse the damage and restore health to your teeth that were in danger.
Digital dental x-rays can be very useful in small children and adolescents because they help find permanent teeth that have yet to erupt through the gums. These images can also help locate roots when various types of orthodontic work is needed.
