Digital X-Rays Gresham, OR
At Douglas L. Park, DDS, Pediatric Dentistry, it is our goal to provide your child with the very best dental care possible. To achieve this goal, we provide your child with regular cleanings and exams. As a part of their exams, we will also take digital X-rays. Digital X-rays are integral in providing your child with the best possible oral care, allowing us to see the hidden parts of their mouth, including the roots of their teeth, the ligaments, and their jawbone. With these images, we can get a complete look into the condition of their mouth.
The Importance of X-Ray Images
X-ray images play an important role in allowing us to provide your child with optimal oral care. They give us a unique look at the hidden areas of their mouth, including between the teeth and below the gums. With X-rays, we can see otherwise invisible issues and can diagnose a wide array of different complications. Reasons X-rays are so important to include:
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Spotting tooth decay and cavities between the teeth.
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Determining if there is enough space in the mouth for the proper eruption of the adult teeth.
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Determining that the baby teeth are not being lost too early or being lost too late.
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Monitoring the development of the adult teeth.
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Monitoring the development of the jaw.
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Assessing the need for orthodontic treatment, either early on in later years.
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Evaluating damage to the teeth and jaws in the event of facial trauma.
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Monitoring the development of wisdom teeth. |
Different Types of X-Rays
There is more than one type of X-ray. The exact types of X-rays that we take are determined by what we need to accomplish.
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Bitewing. Bitewing X-rays show us the crowns of the teeth in a specific area of the mouth and can enable us to see cavities between the teeth.
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Periapical. These images focus in on one or two specific teeth. They show the entire tooth from the crown to the root, as well as the supporting bone. These X-rays show damage as well as decay.
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Panoramic. This type of X-ray shows the whole mouth in just one image. They allow us to monitor the development of the mouth and determine if your child needs orthodontic treatment.
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Occlusal. This type of X-ray shows all of the teeth in a single arch. It shows tooth placement, and how the teeth fit together when your child bites down.
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Orthodontic. This type of X-ray shows the side of the head, and can help us to plan orthodontic treatment for your child. |
Are Digital X-Rays Safe for My Child?
As a parent, the safety of your child is a major concern. The safety, and comfort, of your child, is important to us as well. The X-rays that we take use digital technology. Unlike traditional X-rays, which rely on radiation to capture images, digital X-rays use electronics. The exposure to radiation is reduced up to 95%. Taking digital X-rays is completely safe. They are typically not taken at every appointment. However, children who are more prone to cavities require more images than those who are not. Helping your child keep their teeth clean and healthy can help to reduce the number of X-rays that your child needs.
Digital X-ray images are essential for showing us every structure in the mouth of your child. If you have any questions or concerns about digital X-rays, call Douglas L. Park, DDS, Pediatric Dentistry today at (503) 663-8141. |