Lynnwood, WA Bellevue, WA Kenmore, WA Everett, WA Lynnwood (425) 569-4545

Dental X-Rays

Digital Vs Traditional X-rays

At Cooley Smiles, we use cutting-edge technology and state-of-the-art techniques to perform safe, effective dental procedures. Part of performing a safe and effective dental procedure is properly diagnosing the problem. One of the most important diagnostic tools for any dentist to use is a dental x-ray. These days, we use digital x-rays because of their many benefits.

Why We Use X-rays

Our dentists may recommend an intraoral x-ray for a variety of reasons. They give us a detailed look at the inner workings of your mouth. Intraoral x-rays are an extremely effective diagnostic tooth that allows us to:

•	Diagnose cavities and tooth decay that may not be visible
•	Ensure there is no decay underneath a dental restoration
•	Examine the roots of the teeth
•	Check on the status of developing teeth
•	Make sure you are in good oral health
•	Check the supportive bone for deterioration
•	Check for cancerous tumors and cysts

Types of Intraoral X-rays

There are several types of intraoral x-rays. Each one shows a different aspect of your teeth. The various x-rays include:

•	Bite-wing x-ray. This type of x-ray highlights the crowns of your posterior teeth. We typically take one or two of these x-rays on each side of the mouth to find decay between your back teeth. They get their name for the wing-shaped appliance you bite down on, while we take the x-ray.
•	Periapical x-ray. This type of x-ray is used to get a closer look at one or two teeth at a time. Each x-ray shows the entire length of a tooth, from root to crown.
•	Occlusal x-ray. This type of x-ray is primarily used for children. Occlusal x-rays are larger than most and provide a picture of nearly all the teeth in the upper or lower jaw. They are an excellent way to highlight the development of permanent teeth.

We may also recommend an extraoral x-ray. Extraoral x-rays are made with the radiograph film outside of the mouth. They show the teeth, but also provide a look at the skull and jaw. Extraoral x-rays can be used to look at the status of impacted teeth, examine the relationship between your teeth and jaw, and keep track of development.

Benefits of Digital X-rays

Digital x-rays are a relatively new piece of technology. However, the benefits of digital x-rays have proven to be far superior to that of traditional x-rays. For instance, digital x-rays use 70% less radiation than traditional ones. They are also time-effective and are easier to produce. If an x-ray does not come out properly, digital technology allows us to take a new one right away. With traditional x-rays, the film must first be developed before we can discover an error. Digital x-rays are also environmentally-friendly. The images can be stored on our computers and are easy to transfer to a specialist if necessary. Digital x-rays are also better for diagnosing minor issues. The images can be manipulated and enhanced to find instances of decay that may be hard to see with a traditional x-ray.

Schedule an Appointment

If you would like to maintain excellent oral health, call (425) 569-4545, and schedule your appointment today.

Get in Touch!

PHONE
(425) 569-4545

EMAIL
lynnwood@cooleysmiles.com

LOCATION
19505 76th Ave. West Suite # 100
Lynnwood, WA 98036-5045

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Cooley Smiles - Lynnwood, 19505 76th Ave. West Suite # 100, Lynnwood, WA 98036, (425) 569-4545, cooleysmileslynnwood.com, 10/15/2024, Page Keywords: dentist Lynnwood WA,