Dental X-Rays
Dental X-Rays in Tracy, CA
Your routine dental exam will include a thorough and comprehensive examination of your mouth. In addition to an oral exam by our dentist, you may also receive dental x-rays that help us get a better look at your entire mouth, including what can’t be seen with the naked eye.
Diagnostic x-rays give our team a comprehensive picture of your oral health so we can diagnose any problems that might not be visible during a regular exam.
Digital X-Rays
At Miller’s Family Dentistry, we use digital x-rays that allow us to pick up on crucial signs of dental diseases and provide us with information on how to make an informed decision about your dental health needs. Digital images provide valuable information about the integrity of your teeth, gums, jaws, and other facial structures. This allows us to give you the best care and create a dental treatment plan or orthodontic treatment plan that is unique to your needs.
Digital x-rays can help the dentist and dental hygienist see:
- signs of potential periodontal disease below the gumline
- risk factors for oral cancer or other oral diseases
- decay between teeth that can’t be seen with the naked eye
- position of teeth that are still growing below the gumline, like wisdom teeth
- bone loss that may be occurring due to periodontal disease or tooth loss
Benefits of Digital X-Rays
Digital x-rays are a valuable advancement in dental technology, and they provide numerous benefits over the use of traditional x-ray film.
Clearer Images
Digital x-rays produce images that are much more precise and detailed compared to those produced by a traditional x-ray machine with film.
Quicker Results
Digital images can be sent straight to a computer, which means we'll be able to see the results quickly, and we can share them with other healthcare providers if needed. Because we can get a clear picture of your mouth in a matter of seconds, it can speed up treatment times.
Safer Alternative
Digital x-rays produce much lower levels of radiation exposure compared to traditional film x-rays, which makes them a safer option both for patients and dental professionals. Because digital radiographs do not require any chemicals, they create less waste and are safer for the environment, too.
Types of Dental X-Rays
There are many different types of x-rays available, including extraoral and intraoral x-rays, Each type of x-ray is helpful for gathering different information that comes together to build a well-rounded picture of your dental health.
Intraoral x-rays examine the inside of the mouth, and extraoral x-rays examine the external structures of the mouth and jaw. Both can be used to diagnose and treat dental problems early.
Periapical X-Rays
show the entire tooth, from the crown to the root and the adjacent bone. They can be used to diagnose problems like tooth decay, gum disease, or infection.
Bitewing X-Rays
show the upper and lower teeth in one image, and typically focus on the premolars, molars, and wisdom teeth. They also detect cavities between the teeth and decay beneath fillings.
Complete Mouth Series
provides a comprehensive view of all the teeth. They are often used as a baseline for future comparisons and to diagnose complex dental problems.
Panoramic X-Rays
provide a 2-D image of the mouth, including all the teeth, bones of the jaw, and other structures. They can be used to see emerging teeth, impacted teeth, cysts, or tumors.
Cephalometric Film
provides a side view of the head, including the teeth, facial bones, jaw, and sinuses. They can be used used to diagnose problems with jaw, like TMJ disorder, or teeth alignment.
CBCT Scans
In addition to traditional 2-D x-rays, we offer 3-D images for our patients. Cone-Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) provides a 3-D view of the teeth, jaws, soft tissues, and surrounding bone structure. These scans can be used for planning dental implants, oral surgery, or orthodontics.
Dental X-Rays in Tracy, CA
At Miller’s Family Dentistry, your dental health is important to us. We use the latest technology to provide our patients with the best possible care. Dental x-rays allow us to better serve our patients by providing clear images and quick results in a safe environment.
If you have questions about any of our dental procedures or our x-ray techniques, don’t hesitate to reach out! We look forward to serving you!