Our experienced dentists use digital X-rays to examine your teeth and supporting structures in greater detail than what a visual inspection alone can permit. Digital X-rays often reveal problems such as tooth decay in the earliest stages of development, when they are easiest to treat. To make your appointment with Dr. Rebecca Kisling or Dr. Mark Jensen and to learn more about digital X-rays in Lenexa, Kansas, call Oak Park Family Dental today at 913-492-9660.
At Oak Park Family Dental, digital X-rays are an important part of comprehensive dental examinations and treatment planning. Digital dental X-rays allow our dentists to see areas of the teeth, roots and supporting structures that may not be visible during a regular visual examination.
Our dentists, Dr. Rebecca Kisling and Dr. Mark Jensen, use digital imaging technology when appropriate to help evaluate dental concerns and develop treatment plans based on each patient’s individual needs.
If you are looking for digital X-rays in Lenexa, KS, contact our dental office to learn more about our diagnostic technology and schedule an appointment.
What Are Digital Dental X-Rays?
Digital X-rays are dental images captured using an electronic sensor rather than traditional photographic film. The images can be viewed digitally, allowing our dental team to examine areas of your mouth in greater detail.
Digital radiography can make the imaging process more convenient because images can be viewed on a computer or monitor without the traditional film-development process.
Digital X-rays may be used as part of routine dental examinations or when your dentist needs additional information about a specific dental concern.
What Can Digital X-Rays Detect?
Some dental problems develop below the surface and may not be visible during a visual examination. Digital X-rays can help dentists evaluate areas that cannot be fully seen by simply looking inside the mouth.
Depending on your individual circumstances, dental X-rays may help identify:
- Tooth decay between teeth
- Changes around tooth roots
- Bone loss
- Dental infections
- Cysts or abscesses
- Abnormal tooth development
- Problems involving impacted or unusually positioned teeth
- Certain dental or facial abnormalities
- Changes involving existing dental restorations
X-rays are interpreted together with your dental examination, medical and dental history, symptoms and other diagnostic information.
Digital X-Rays for Preventive Dental Care
Digital X-rays can be an important part of preventive dental care when your dentist determines that imaging is appropriate.
Some cavities, especially those between teeth, can be difficult to identify during a visual examination alone. Dental X-rays can provide additional information that helps your dentist evaluate areas that may otherwise be difficult to examine.
Your dentist will determine which types of X-rays you need and how frequently they should be taken based on your individual dental health and risk factors.
Digital X-Rays for Root Canal Treatment
Digital dental imaging can also assist with evaluating teeth that may require root canal treatment.
X-rays can provide information about the tooth’s roots and surrounding bone and may help your dentist assess changes associated with infection or other dental problems.
For patients undergoing endodontic treatment, imaging can also help with treatment planning and evaluation.
Digital X-Rays for Dental Implants
Dental imaging is an important part of planning many implant procedures.
Depending on the situation, your dentist may use digital X-rays to evaluate the teeth and surrounding structures before recommending implant treatment.
For more detailed three-dimensional information, our office also offers cone beam CT scanning. CT imaging can provide a more comprehensive view of the jaw and surrounding structures when advanced imaging is appropriate.
Learn more about Dental Implants in Lenexa, KS and CT Scanning in Lenexa, KS.
Digital X-Rays for Orthodontic Treatment
Dental X-rays may also be useful when evaluating tooth position, development and the supporting structures of the mouth.
For patients considering orthodontic treatment, imaging can provide additional information that may assist with treatment planning.
Our dental technology services include digital X-rays as well as other diagnostic technologies used when appropriate for individual patients.
Digital X-Rays vs. Traditional Film X-Rays
Traditional dental X-rays use photographic film, while digital X-rays use electronic sensors to capture images.
Digital imaging offers several practical advantages, including:
- Images can be viewed electronically
- Images are available quickly
- No traditional film-development process is required
- Digital images can be stored electronically
- Images can be reviewed with patients on a computer monitor
- Digital imaging can support efficient dental diagnosis and treatment planning
Your dentist will select the appropriate imaging method based on your dental needs and the information required for your examination.
Are Digital X-Rays Safe?
Dental X-rays use radiation, so they should be taken when clinically appropriate. Modern dental imaging systems are designed to use low levels of radiation, and dental professionals follow established safety practices when taking X-rays.
Our dental team considers your individual circumstances when determining whether dental imaging is appropriate.
If you have questions about dental X-rays, radiation exposure or the frequency of your imaging, discuss your concerns with your dentist before the procedure.
What Happens During a Digital Dental X-Ray?
Digital dental X-rays are generally a straightforward part of a dental visit.
Depending on the type of image required, the process may involve:
- Your dental team determines which images are needed.
- A digital sensor is positioned in the appropriate area of your mouth.
- You are asked to remain still while the image is captured.
- The digital image is displayed for your dental team to review.
- Your dentist evaluates the images along with your examination and other relevant information.
The exact process depends on the type of X-ray being performed.
Digital X-Rays and Comprehensive Dental Care
Digital X-rays are one component of the diagnostic technology available at Oak Park Family Dental.
Our dental technology services also include CT scanning and paperless charting. Together, these technologies can help our team efficiently document, evaluate and plan dental care based on each patient’s needs.
Digital X-rays may be used when evaluating a variety of dental concerns and when planning treatments such as root canal therapy, dental implants, oral surgery and orthodontic care.
Why Choose Digital X-Rays in Lenexa, KS?
When you visit our Lenexa dental office, our team uses diagnostic technology when it can provide useful information about your oral health.
Our goal is to combine appropriate imaging with a thorough dental examination so we can better understand your individual needs and discuss available treatment options with you.
If you are experiencing tooth pain, sensitivity, swelling or another dental concern, don’t wait for the problem to become more serious. Contact our office to schedule an examination.
Frequently Asked Questions About Digital X-Rays
What are digital X-rays used for in dentistry?
Digital X-rays can help dentists evaluate areas that cannot always be seen during a visual examination. They may help identify decay, bone changes, infections, root-related problems and other dental concerns.
How often do I need dental X-rays?
There is no single schedule that applies to every patient. Your dentist will determine when X-rays are appropriate based on factors such as your dental history, age, symptoms, oral health and risk of developing dental problems.
Are digital X-rays different from regular X-rays?
Yes. Digital X-rays use electronic sensors to capture dental images rather than traditional photographic film. The resulting images can be viewed and stored electronically.
Can digital X-rays detect cavities?
Digital X-rays can help dentists identify certain areas of tooth decay, including decay between teeth that may be difficult to see during a visual examination.
Are digital X-rays used for dental implants?
Yes. Dental imaging can be used as part of implant treatment planning. In some cases, more detailed three-dimensional imaging such as cone beam CT may be appropriate.
Do digital X-rays hurt?
The imaging process itself is generally quick. Depending on the type of X-ray, a sensor or positioning device may need to be placed in the mouth, which some patients may find temporarily uncomfortable.
Can children have digital dental X-rays?
Dental X-rays may be appropriate for children when clinically necessary. Your dentist will determine whether imaging is needed based on the child’s individual dental health and circumstances.
What is the difference between a digital X-ray and a CT scan?
A digital dental X-ray typically produces a two-dimensional image, while cone beam CT technology can create three-dimensional images of the teeth, jaw and surrounding structures. The appropriate imaging method depends on what your dentist needs to evaluate.
Where can I get digital X-rays in Lenexa, KS?
Oak Park Family Dental provides digital dental X-rays as part of its dental technology services in Lenexa, Kansas. Contact our office at 913-492-9660 to learn more or schedule an appointment.
Schedule a Dental Examination in Lenexa, KS
If you need a dental examination or have questions about digital dental X-rays, our team at Oak Park Family Dental is here to help.
Contact us to schedule an appointment and learn how digital imaging may be used as part of your dental care.