We sometimes take for granted just how miraculous X-rays are. These images serve as windows into our oral health. From cavities lurking beneath enamel to the structure of our jawbone, dental X-rays help the dentists at our Gramercy dental studio craft personalized treatment plans.
In this guide, Gramercy Dental Center will explore the various types of X-rays taken during your dental appointments, highlighting the reasons they’re crucial for maintaining dental well-being.
Bitewing X-Rays
Bitewing X-rays are one of the most common types of dental X-rays taken during routine checkups. They provide a clear view of the upper and lower back teeth in a single image, focusing on the areas where cavities are most likely to form.
- Early Detection: Bitewing X-rays can reveal cavities between teeth that are not visible to the naked eye. With timely treatment, we can prevent further decay and tooth loss.
- Health Monitoring: These X-rays also show the bone level around your teeth, helping our dentist assess bone loss due to gum disease or other conditions.
Periapical X-Rays
Our Gramercy dental studio uses periapical X-rays to capture an entire tooth, including the root and the surrounding bone structure. They provide a comprehensive view of the tooth’s anatomy, making them essential for diagnosing various dental issues.
- Root and Bone Assessment: These X-rays help identify problems at the root of the tooth, such as infections, abscesses, cysts, or bone irregularities.
- Tooth Development: For children and adolescents, periapical X-rays can monitor the development of incoming teeth, like wisdom teeth that may need extraction.
Panoramic X-Rays
Panoramic X-rays offer a wide-angle view of the entire mouth, including teeth, jaws, nasal area, and sinuses. We use this type of X-ray at Gramercy Dental Center to see the bigger picture of your dental health.
- Comprehensive Imaging: One image can reveal impacted teeth, jaw disorders, and sinus issues. We use these scans to plan Invisalign® and extractions.
- Non-invasive and Quick: The process at our Gramercy dental studio is fast and easy, providing a full-mouth view without the need for multiple individual X-rays.
CBCT Scans
Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans produce three-dimensional images of your teeth, soft tissues, nerve pathways, and bone. We often use CBCT scans in complex dental situations at our Gramercy dental studio.
- Detailed 3D Imaging: CBCT scans provide unparalleled detail, making them essential for planning surgical procedures like dental implants.
- Accurate Diagnosis: These scans can identify issues that standard X-rays might miss, helping ensure the most effective treatment planning.
Traditional Film X-Rays vs. Digital X-Rays
Scanning technology has evolved significantly, and the digital X-rays we offer at our Gramercy dental studio provide:
- Higher Image Quality: Digital X-rays produce clearer and more detailed images, aiding in more accurate diagnoses.
- Speed and Efficiency: Modern X-rays can be viewed immediately. This reduces waiting time, speeds up the diagnostic process, and helps you visualize your care.
- Lower Radiation Exposure: Digital X-rays emit less radiation compared to traditional film X-rays, making them a safer option for patients.
Gramercy Dental Center Uncovers Dental Secrets
Don’t take the value of X-rays for granted! Whether it’s detecting cavities early with bitewing X-rays or planning complex procedures with CBCT scans, the imaging techniques we use at our Gramercy dental studio keep your health safe, your smile shining, and your wallet happy. Contact us today to get a peek into your oral health.
