Digital Dental X-Rays

Dental X-Rays find problems before they become problems.

Dental radiographs (X-rays) are essential, preventative, diagnostic tools that provide valuable information not visible during a regular dental exam. Dentists and dental hygienists use this information to safely and accurately detect hidden dental abnormalities and complete an accurate treatment plan. Without X-rays, problem areas may go undetected.

Dental X-rays may reveal:

• Abscesses or cysts.
• Bone loss.
• Cancerous and non-cancerous tumors.
• Decay between the teeth.
• Developmental abnormalities.
• Poor tooth and root positions.
• Problems inside a tooth or below the gum line.

Detecting and treating dental problems at an early stage can save you time, money, unnecessary discomfort, and your teeth!

Are dental X-rays safe?

Island Dental uses Digital X-Ray technology. The digital X-Ray does not use traditional X-Ray film but rather an electronic sensor that creates and stores a digital image of the teeth onto a computer. The digital image is available instantly, thus helping the dentist and dental hygienist detect problems or issues quicker and easier. Digital x-rays also reduce a majority of radiation (80-90%) compared traditional dental x-rays.

X-Rays are important because, done regularly, they are used as a preventative and diagnostic tool. They offer valuable information that is otherwise not visible during general oral dental exams. Dr. Coral Posert uses the information gained by Digital X-Rays to accurately and safely detect beneath-the-surface abnormalities and supplement a treatment plan. X-Rays help prevent hidden problems or complications from getting worse by treating them as early as possible.

How often should dental X-rays be taken?

The need for dental X-rays depends on each patient’s individual dental health needs. Your San Francisco dentist and dental hygienist will recommend necessary x-rays based on the review of your medical and dental history, dental exam, signs and symptoms, age consideration, and risk for disease.

A full mouth series of dental X-rays is recommended for new patients. A full series is usually good for three to five years. Bite-wing X-rays (X-rays of top and bottom teeth biting together) are taken at recall (check-up) visits and are recommended once or twice a year to detect new dental problems.