Digital X-Rays and Digital Imaging in Wilmington MA

Taking x-rays is still one of the best ways that we can diagnose conditions such as decay, cysts, bone loss, and tooth trauma. With the added convenience of digital x-rays, early and accurate diagnosis is better than ever

Why Are Digital X-Rays Better?

In addition to instant results with digital x-rays, they also have other benefits. We know that our patients want to limit radiation and digital x-rays have up to 80 percent less radiation than traditional x-rays. Dental x-rays have always been among the lowest radiation x-rays in medicine, but now with the latest technology, the amount is so small, you get more radiation just by being outside.

Additionally, because we view digital dental x-rays on the computer, Dr. Caselle can manipulate the images by zooming in or improving the contrast to see any conditions you may have. This means that we can diagnose and treat problems like decay early, saving you time and money.

Do I Really Need X-Rays?

At Smile Life Dental, we only take the images necessary for proper diagnosis and prevention, and the health benefits far outweigh the risks and cost of dental x-rays. Most insurance companies cover periodic x-rays. We usually take bitewing x-rays once yearly and full-mouth x-rays every five years.

If you have a lot of dentistry, a history of bone loss or decay, or if you have a dental emergency, we may need to take additional x-rays to ensure your health. We will explain this to you should the need arise.

If you do not have regular digital imaging, you run the risk of conditions such as decay, bone loss, and other abnormalities. While it may seem logical to avoid dentistry until something hurts, usually by the time that you have tooth pain, your condition is quite severe, costing you extra time and money and running the risk of tooth loss.

If you have questions about the necessity of dental x-rays, please let one of our team members know. We want you to feel comfortable and informed about all of your treatment.

Using the Intraoral Camera

An intraoral camera is a tool we use to help us share information with you about your dental conditions. An intraoral camera is a small camera, the size of a pen, which allows us to capture images in the small spaces of your mouth. Because you cannot see inside your own mouth, we can take a picture in order for you to see what we see. That way, when we discuss treatment, you know precisely why we make the recommendations we do. Some of the conditions you can see with an intraoral camera are:

Decay
Cracked teeth
Gum disease
Secondary decay (around fillings and crowns)
Worn or chipped teeth
Discoloration
Broken down dentistry

If we see these conditions, we can snap a photograph and review it together.

Call Our Wilmington, MA Dental Office Today

If you have questions about digital imaging or it’s time for your next appointment, give us a call at our Wilmington dental office, and one of our helpful team members will assist you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are digital x-rays safe?

We recommend a full set of radiographs, which includes images of all teeth, every five years. A full-mouth series includes both bitewing and vertical x-rays. Bitewings provide valuable information to detect decay and vertical x-rays show the roots of the teeth. Vertical x-rays show information about fractured roots, bone levels, and can even confirm infection.

A bitewing series is taken every year, or more, depending on your dental history to check for cavities in between the teeth.

In the event of a dental emergency, we may take one or more x-rays to diagnose your condition so that Dr. Caselle can provide proper treatment to get you out of pain fast.

With digital x-rays, the radiation exposure is minimal. The amount of radiation you get from sunlight is 35 millirems per year. Compare this to a digital x-ray, which is 0.15 millirems per exposure. Although the exposure is low, we still use a protective apron when taking x-rays for added safety.

If you have questions about the safety or necessity of your x-rays, let us know. We are always happy to provide useful information to help you get the most out of your dental care.

If you are pregnant, research now shows that it is okay to have x-rays taken if needed. However, you should check with your physician if there are any concerns.

Digital X-Rays and Digital Imaging Technology

Digital Dental X-Rays

Digital dental x-rays provide sharp, high-quality images that make it possible for Dr. Lee to diagnose conditions in their early stages. Using 80 percent less radiation, digital x-rays are incredibly safe.

Once an image is captured, it displays immediately on our treatment room monitors where Dr. Lee can discuss his findings with you.

SEE OUR TECHNOLOGY

Meet Our Doctor:

Close up of man smiling | Dentist in Wilmington MA

Dr. Jaeseop Lee DMD

My passion to utilize my skills to help people and give back to the community was what led me into dentistry. It is my goal to better people’s oral health and ultimately to improve their overall health through great care we give at Smile Life Dental. I like to create a friendly environment for my patients and build good relationships with them by being attentive to their concerns and needs, being honest, and answering any questions they may have. I ...