Digital X-Rays

Digital X-rays provide a clearer image so professionals can better detect, diagnose, treat, and monitor oral conditions and diseases. The dental team at Get It Straight Orthodontics and Family Dentistry uses digital X-rays for all patients. Call the Tucson, Arizona, office or use this website to schedule and take advantage of this convenient and effective X-ray technique.

What are digital X-rays?

Digital X-rays replace traditional photographic forms of X-rays. They offer enhanced images of your teeth, gums, and other oral structures.

Digital X-rays usually involve placing a small electronic sensor at different spots in your mouth to record images. 

What are intraoral digital X-rays?

Intraoral X-rays are the most common type of dental X-ray. They can detect cavities, evaluate how teeth are developing, and monitor overall teeth and bone health. 

Intraoral X-rays may be:

Bitewing          

These are taken while you bite down on film. They show details of the upper and lower teeth. Bitewing X-rays can detect decay between teeth and changes in bone density due to gum disease. These X-rays can also direct the fit of dental crowns and restorations and the integrity of the edges of fillings.

Periapical

Periapical X-rays allow the dentist to see the whole tooth, including the crown, the roots, and the supporting bone in one area of either the upper or lower jaw. These X-rays detect root structure and surrounding bone structure abnormalities. They may help treat advanced gum disease.

What are extraoral digital X-rays?

Extraoral X-rays can detect impacted teeth, identify potential problems in the temporomandibular joints (TMJ), and monitor jaw growth and development. 

Extraoral X-rays may be:

Panoramic

To take a panoramic X-ray, a machine rotates around the entire head to show the entire mouth. Panoramic X-rays help the dentist plan treatment for dental implants, detect impacted wisdom teeth and jaw problems, and diagnose bony tumors and cysts. 

Cephalometric projections

These X-rays show the entire head, so the team can assess your teeth’s relation to your jaw and profile. Cephalometric projections help create an orthodontic plan to improve tooth alignment and bite.

What are the benefits of digital X-rays?

Digital X-rays are more precise than traditional film-based X-rays. They also:

• Are easily viewed on any computer screen and transmitted to specialists
• Reveal hidden areas of decay between the teeth or below fillings
• Provide early detection and treatment of dental problems like gum disease and bone infections
• Eliminate chemical processing and disposal of hazardous waste
• Require less radiation than film-based X-rays

Digital X-rays take up less space and are easily stored. Your provider can also enhance them to more easily show you areas of concern. 

To take advantage of the digital X-rays offered at Get It Straight Orthodontics and Family Dentistry, call today to make an appointment or use this website to schedule your visit.