Digital X-Rays by Board Certified Prosthodontist Steven Rhodes, DDS
Las Vegas
Steve Rhodes is board certified on a national level and offers exceptional service and procedures that you just can't find at a general dentist's office! Below is an overview of how we typically perform X-ray exams at our local Las Vegas office.
Digital X-rays are essential, preventative, diagnostic tools that provide us with important information about your teeth that may not be visible or identifiable during a regular dental exam. Both dentists and hygienists utilize X-ray information to better detect dental problems that may arise. Without the use of X-rays, dental problem areas may go undetected.
New X-ray technologies (digital radiography/digital X-rays) allow us to use an electronic sensor instead of traditional X-ray film to capture and store digital images of your teeth. The images can instantly be viewed and reduce radiation by 80-90% compared to traditional X-rays. X-rays help us safely and accurately detect hidden dental abnormalities and provide a targeted plan for treatment.
Dental X-rays typically reveal the following:
- Abscesses/cysts
- Bone loss
- Cancerous and non-cancerous tumors
- Decay between teeth
- Developmental abnormalities
- Poor tooth and root positions
- Problems inside a tooth or below the gum line
We use x-rays to detect and treat dental problems as early as possible to help save you time, money, discomfort, and preserve your teeth and health.
Are digital dental X-rays safe?
Though digital X-rays do produce a certain level of radiation, these levels are significantly lower compared to traditional X-rays, making them safer and better for your health. Additionally, digital X-rays are faster, more comfortable, don’t require development (and therefore, produce less waste) and reduce your overall time spent in the dental office. Since X-rays do still emit a certain level of radiation, we always take the necessary precautions to protect you. This will typically involve lead apron shields to protect the body.
How often should I get digital X-rays of my teeth?
The need for dental X-rays depends primarily on your dental history, specific signs/symptoms relating to dental disease, age, and risk of disease.
We typically recommend that new patients take full mouth X-rays to determine the current status of your teeth. These types of X-rays are usually good for three to five years. During check-up visits, we may also take bite-wing X-rays (X-rays of your top and bottom teeth biting together). These are usually taken a couple times a year to determine if you have any new dental problems.
Have additional questions about X-rays? Our team would be happy to help, as well as schedule an appointment for you at our local Las Vegas office. Give us a call or contact us online today!