When you make your first visit to a dentist, X-rays are usually part of the initial exam. While some people see this as an unnecessary, time-consuming, or even unsafe procedure, that is far from the truth! In reality, digital X-rays are an essential part of maintaining and safeguarding your oral health. Let’s take a closer look at this technology and how your dentist in Roselle Park uses it to your benefit.
Digital X-Rays: The New Standard in Imaging
Until recent years, old-fashioned X-ray machines were used in many dental offices. These took a while to process, and they exposed patients to more radiation than is ideal. Digital X-rays have replaced them as the standard in imaging technology for the following reasons:
- Digital X-rays are faster than their traditional counterparts, partially because there is no need for a dark room to develop the films. The digital images go directly into a computer system for immediate viewing.
- Digital X-rays expose you to a very low level of radiation. In fact, they are safe even for small children and pregnant women.
- It’s easy to modify digital X-rays for educational purposes. We can use color coding and more to show you any issues that we notice.
How They Benefit You
A visual examination can tell your dentist a lot about your oral health, but it might not reveal everything. Sometimes, X-rays are necessary to detect issues beneath the surface, including:
- Infections
- Teeth and jaw development problems
- Issues or potential issues with wisdom teeth
If your initial set of X-rays don’t reveal any problems, you may not need to get images taken at all your future appointments. Your dentist might just suggest that you get them taken once every couple of years.
Digital X-rays and Dental Implants
If you’re thinking about getting dental implants in Roselle Park to replace your missing teeth, you have a lot to look forward to! Digital X-rays will play a pivotal role in making sure that your new smile succeeds.
When you go in for your initial consultation, X-rays will reveal if your jaw is strong enough and large enough to support your implants. If it’s not, you may need a bone graft to build up your bone before you’re able to receive the artificial roots for your beautiful new smile.
After your implants are installed, your dentist may use X-rays at your follow-up appointments to reveal how the implants are faring within your body. By spotting signs of infections or bone loss early on, it may be possible to stop the problem and save your artificial teeth.
Digital X-rays are an important part of modern dentistry. Next time you go in for an exam, why not take a moment to appreciate this marvelous technology?
About Us
At Roselle Park Dental & Implants, we have a talented team of dentists, hygienists, and other professionals who want to protect your smile! We use digital X-rays and other advanced technology to care for you. If it’s time for your next checkup, please contact our office at 908-245-1745.