We Use Digital X-rays at Yeates Family Dental
X-rays are an important part of the dental care process. They enable dental professionals to get a full picture of a client’s oral health. With innovation and changing technology comes easier and better ways to get the x-rays our dental office needs to provide you with the best care. We are proud to offer our Skagit County clients digital x-rays as an alternative to traditional film x-rays.
How Do Digital X-rays Work?
Digital X-rays work in much the same way that traditional film x-rays do, except they are much more comfortable for the client, and they store the image on a computer, instead of film. What’s more, digital x-rays help to reduce the amount of radiation exposure for our clients by up to 90%. Although traditional x-rays already have low radiation exposure rates, having the ability to lower that even more is comforting to our practice and our clients.
Why Do We Need X-rays?
X-rays provide an important service to our dental clinic and dental clinics around the world. X-rays are essential, in some cases, to diagnose issues that are happening below the gum line, or inside the tooth. Without x-rays, Dr. Yeates wouldn’t be able to see much of what is causing pain, discomfort, infection, or other ailments that can cause problems for our clients. The x-rays are used to provide information and to create a picture history of a client’s dental health. Regular digital x-rays can save client’s money in the long run, and ensure their dental health is intact.
What Can X-rays Reveal About a Client’s Dental Health?
There are a number of things that a digital x-ray can tell Dr. Yeates about your oral health. This information helps him to prepare a treatment plan and anticipate future issues that may arise. Some of the issues that might show up in a digital x-ray include:
- Infections, abscesses or cysts in and around the teeth
- Deterioration or loss of bone
- Tumors, both cancerous and non-cancerous
- Abnormalities that might occur in the bone or tooth
- Dental decay between teeth where the eye cannot see clearly
- Improper tooth development
- Problems with roots
- And more
Is it Safe to Have Dental X-rays?
Digital x-rays are very safe for use in dental clinics. While the amount of radiation that traditional film x-rays produced was still quite and also very safe for clients, digital x-rays produce much less radiation. Because the images are electronic, there is no film to develop, which also helps to cut down on the radiation. Digital x-rays are also faster and make it easier for our staff to move from patient to patient ensuring everyone gets the valuable x-rays they need to create a full picture of their oral health. It is our duty to protect our clients from radiation so while there is a very low amount of radiation exposure related to digital x-rays, we provide lead apron shields to protect our clients from whatever radiation exposure might be possible. Our clients can rest easy knowing that our digital x-ray procedures are quite safe.
How Many Times Should Digital X-rays be Taken?
Most clients have a full set of dental x-rays taken once per year or twice per year depending on their particular situation. Clients who have problems or are showing signs of decay, infection, or have a history of dental problems, might require more x-rays on a regular basis to monitor the progress or status of their oral health.
What Kind of X-ray is Used?
Our dental clinic uses several types of digital x-rays to form a complete picture of oral health. Not all of these x-rays are used at the same time or during one visit; some are used to diagnose conditions or issues in certain parts of the mouth, while others are used in general check-ups to monitor good oral health.
The two most common types of x-rays include:
Bite-wing: this type of x-rays provides a picture of the top and bottom teeth biting together. It helps Dr. Yeates to see how teeth come together to form the “bite.” This can indicate issues with chewing, jaw problems, and more. Of course, Dr. Yeates will also be able to see any signs of tooth decay or infections that might have developed since your last visit to our clinic.
Periapical: this type of x-ray shows an entire tooth from root to crown, and it will enable Dr. Yeates to be able to see if there are any infections below the gum line, or if there is a need for a root canal or other procedure to improve the integrity of a tooth.
Contact Us to Book an Appointment
If you are looking for a full-service dental clinic that puts client’s needs first, contact our office today. Our friendly staff will be happy to book your consultation right away.