Gresham Digital Dental X-Rays

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Gresham Digital Dental X-Rays

Tooth Decay takes on many different forms, and not all of those are visible to the naked eye. The quicker your dentist is aware of any potential problem, the faster they can begin the treatment which will hopefully prevent the damage developing further. For many years the medical profession has used x-rays as a method for detecting problems the eyes cannot see, and digital dental x-rays are the evolution of this process.

Benefits of Digital X-Ray Technology

At Main Street Dental, we have invested in the latest digital radiography, and cone beam CT technology, which means that we can capture more in-depth diagnostic information.

One of the most significant issues with the traditional form of x-rays was the exposure of the dentist or radiographer to radiation. The technology we use at Main Street Dental reduces the amount of radiation by up to 90 percent.  One of the other main advantages of digital is that it produces almost instant results, and provides the ability to manipulate the images on a computer, by enlarging them so that the dentist can get a much clearer idea of what exactly is going on, prior to making their diagnosis.

This also brings advantages for the patient, because they can get the results of their Gresham digital dental x-rays almost immediately, which in some instances means that the treatment can be completed on the same day. This means fewer visits to the dentist and ultimately better and more efficient dental care.

Gresham Digital Dental X-Rays FAQ

Q: I Am Pregnant Can I Still Have A Dental X-ray?

A: Although the new digital x-ray process delivers at least 90 percent less radiation than traditional methods, the scientific consensus of opinion is that the foetus should not be exposed to any radiation wherever possible. That is why it is essential if you are pregnant or think you might be to inform your dentist immediately. If you are in the middle of a course of treatment, then there may be certain situations where it would be preferential to have some x-rays performed, but every case should be viewed on an individual basis. Essentially it will be a delicate balancing act and one that you and your dentist should discuss at length before making a decision.

Q: Are Dental X-Rays Safe For My Children?

A: As a parent one of our primary roles is the safety of our children; to protect our children and ensure they are kept safe and well. Studies have shown that children can be more sensitive to radiation than adults, and so this is a valid concern.

However, the amount of radiation emitted by the new digital x-ray process is considered to be safe for use on children, and the benefits of dental x-rays for your child are significant. Some of the reasons why our dentists utilize digital x-rays for children include monitoring and checking of the mouth, to ensure it is big enough to accommodate any growing teeth, to verify that any baby teeth are loosening sufficiently to make way for the developing adult teeth and to identify decay or gum disease early. In our opinion, these benefits far outweigh any small risks caused by digital x-rays.

Q: What Safety Precautions, If Any Does Main Street Dental Employ When Conducting X-Rays?

A: At Main Street Dental, we never take an x-ray unless we feel that it is necessary. Where possible, we always try to take only one image, rather than two or three, and this in itself drastically reduces the amount of radiation to which our patients are exposed. All of our x-ray machines are set to use the lowest radiation setting possible, and we even provide lead coverings for certain parts of your body, if you want to reduce the risk even further.

Q: How Does A Dentist Decide If An X-Ray Is Necessary?

A: This is not a question we get asked on a regular basis, but one that we wanted to answer to try and put our patient’s mind at rest. When it comes to deciding whether or not an x-ray is necessary we take into consideration, a number of different factors. These include the age of our patients, at which stage their dental development is, any history we have in relation to their dental health, which symptoms the patient is presenting with, and finally any risk factors that we may be concerned about.

While we do our best to perform as few x-rays as possible, the fact remains that there are specific issues which only an x-ray can identify, and so if you choose not to have one done, there is a risk that an underlying dental problem will not be discovered until much later. As with all of our procedures at Main Street Dental, feel free to discuss your thoughts and concerns with your dentist, we will never perform any treatment without your agreement and consent.

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