About Digital Dental X-Rays
At ACE Dental of Texas, we are proud to use a digital x-ray system to diagnose problems that are not visible to the naked eye and gain a comprehensive understanding of your oral health. Digital x-rays (radiographs) are taken during dental exam visits and certain procedures to provide our team with a more detailed, diagnostic view of the interior areas of your teeth and jawbone. A number of oral conditions may only be visible on x-rays, such as cavities between teeth, cysts, tooth impactions, and bone loss. If these issues are discovered early, you may have more effective and less invasive treatment options. Talk with our team now to learn more about how we use digital x-rays to bring greater diagnostic ability, safety, and convenience to your dental care.
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Ideal Candidates for Digital Imaging
Patients of all ages may be ideal candidates for digital dental x-rays. Dental x-rays are an essential part of a routine dental exam, emergency dental visit, and certain treatment processes, as they show oral health conditions that may be hidden under the gums and otherwise go undetected. X-rays can reveal cavities between teeth and under restorations, cysts, tumors, abscesses, curved roots, unerupted and impacted teeth, and malpositioned teeth. Though digital imaging emits significantly less radiation than film x-rays and is generally safe for most patients, ACE Dental prefers to limit patient exposure. Women who are or may be pregnant should inform our team upon arrival so special considerations may be taken.
What Is the X-Ray Process?
Digital x-rays are taken on a preventive basis (at routine exam visits), during dental emergencies, and as needed during the course of care. Often performed at the start of a dental visit, digital imaging typically takes less than five minutes to complete and is generally more comfortable than traditional films. Our team will place a digital sensor in your mouth, next to your teeth, and quickly take the x-ray. The image of your teeth and jawbone will be transmitted to our computer system within seconds. Once completed, we will review your x-rays with you, pointing out any areas of concern or interest, and curate a treatment plan for any dental health needs.
X-Ray Frequency
Many patients will have a series of bitewing x-rays taken every year, which allows us to screen for cavities and bone loss and identify any treatment needs as early as possible. A full series or panoramic x-rays may be taken every 3 – 5 years to show all areas of the mouth and enable our team to assess the health of your jaw, orthodontic needs, and other oral health considerations. In cases of tooth pain, a broken tooth, or other acute conditions, a periapical x-ray (of the entire tooth and immediate area) may be captured to evaluate your needs. After they are taken, your x-rays will be stored in your digital patient chart to be viewed by you and our team throughout your care.
Insurance Coverage for Radiographs
Generally, dental insurance plans will cover digital x-rays on a routine basis and at certain intervals. Since coverage may vary among plans, our insurance specialist will contact your provider to review your benefits and calculate any personal costs. To help families cover any uncovered portion of their care, ACE Dental proudly accepts an array of flexible financing options, including low-interest payment plans.
Advanced Care With Digital Imaging
Digital x-rays are an advanced technology we use to diagnose hidden oral health issues for our patients. As a part of both preventive and emergency dental care, digital dental x-rays provide a highly diagnostic view of your teeth and jaw that can allow us to treat needs early before they further impact your health and comfort. To keep your family's smiles healthy and happy, contact an ACE Dental of Texas practice location to schedule a dental visit.