Digital Dental X-Rays
At Dental Associates, our office is equipped with advanced digital x-ray technology to deliver the highest quality images under the lowest levels of radiation. Digital radiographs produce between 1/10th and 1/100th of the radiation of conventional x-rays, making them safer, quicker, and easier than in the past. With a variety of image customization options, digital x-rays are also more diagnostic than processed film.
When we take a digital radiograph, the image is immediately available on the computer in the treatment room. This allows Drs. Zunich, Kivi, Derouin, and Wenberg or your hygienist to quickly and thoroughly review your films and include you in a discussion about the results.
Bitewings
Bitewing x-rays are the most common dental radiographs. We routinely take four images that will show your upper and lower back teeth biting together. We will inspect the spaces between those posterior teeth so that we can diagnose interproximal decay and check bone levels. We recommend having these films taken every 12-24 months, depending on your caries’ risk.
Periapical X-Rays
At Dental Associates, we use periapical x-rays (called PAs in dental jargon) to look at the tip of the roots of your teeth and the surrounding bone structure. These x-rays are very useful in cases of trauma or for patients who are experiencing dental pain. These images help Drs. Zunich, Kivi, Derouin, and Wenberg view a tooth in its entirety and are used in the treatment planning and treatment of endodontic lesions (root canal therapy).
Panoramic X-Rays
Panoramic x-rays give us the “big picture” image of your teeth and craniofacial structures, including jawbones and sinuses. Your first panoramic x-ray is necessary around age 8 when you start to begin to get your permanent teeth. We recommend having a panoramic image taken every three to five years so we can keep eye changes that aren’t visible on other types of x-rays and catch any pathological conditions like oral cancer before they advance.
ConeBeam CT X-Rays
At Dental Associates, we are proud to bring you the highest standard of care in x-ray technology. Our XG3D ConeBeam CT machine allows us to take an eight cubic centimeter, three-dimensional image of your teeth. From this image, we can diagnose fractures and cracks that are not visible on traditional x-rays, view pulp and nerve structures for more successful endodontic treatment, diagnose periapical infections in earlier stages, and plan for guided surgical placement of dental implants. Because our machine is only taking such a small image, the amount of radiation is significantly lower than a standard CT scan would be and is comparable to that of a full mouth series of dental x-rays.
We’d Like To Be Your Family’s Home For Gentle Dental Care in Detroit Lakes, MN!
Our friendly and professional team is eager to serve you. We offer convenient scheduling to cater to busy families like yours. Click here to email our office or call (218) 847-2624. One of our team members will happily help you schedule a convenient appointment time
