Dental X-Rays: A Clearer Picture of Your Oral Health

A visual dental exam tells us a lot, but some problems can develop in areas we simply cannot see by looking in your mouth. Dental X-rays help us see beneath the surface of your teeth and gums so we can identify concerns earlier and make more informed treatment recommendations.

At Renaissance Family and Cosmetic Dentistry, we use digital imaging thoughtfully. We take X-rays when they are clinically needed and choose the type of image based on your individual oral health, dental history, symptoms, and treatment needs.

Imaging helps us answer an important question: What is the safest and most predictable way to treat our patient?

Why Do Dentists Take X-Rays?

Dental X-rays can reveal problems that may not yet be visible or causing pain. They help us evaluate areas between teeth, beneath fillings and crowns, around tooth roots, and within the jawbone.

X-rays may help us identify:

• Cavities between the teeth

• Bone changes related to gum disease

• Infections around the roots of teeth

• Cracked or damaged teeth

• Problems beneath existing fillings or crowns

• Impacted or developing teeth

• Changes in the jawbone

Finding a problem earlier can sometimes mean simpler and more conservative treatment. More importantly, X-rays give us information we need to understand what is actually happening before recommending care.

What Types of Dental X-Rays Do We Use?

The type of X-ray we recommend depends on what we need to evaluate.

Bitewing X-rays allow us to look closely between the back teeth. These images are commonly used to check for cavities and evaluate the level of bone supporting your teeth.

Periapical X-rays show an entire tooth, including the root and surrounding bone. We may take this type of X-ray when evaluating tooth pain, an infection, or a specific area of concern.

Panoramic X-rays provide a broad view of the teeth and jaws. They can be helpful when evaluating wisdom teeth, tooth development, and the overall structures of the mouth and jaw.

We do not believe every patient needs the exact same imaging on the exact same schedule. Your dentist will consider your individual risk factors and current dental health when deciding which X-rays are appropriate.

Our Approach to X-Ray Safety

We understand that patients sometimes have questions about radiation exposure. Our approach is simple: obtain the diagnostic information we need while avoiding unnecessary imaging.

We use modern digital X-ray technology and select imaging based on the reason for your examination. We also review available previous X-rays whenever appropriate so that images are not repeated simply out of routine.

If you are pregnant, may be pregnant, or have concerns about dental X-rays, please let our team know. We are always happy to explain why an image is being recommended before it is taken.

What Is a NOMAD Dental X-Ray?

Our office uses NOMAD handheld X-ray technology for many dental images. Unlike a traditional X-ray unit mounted to a wall, a NOMAD is a portable digital X-ray device that allows our clinical team to position the X-ray equipment directly where it is needed.

For patients, this can make the imaging process more comfortable and efficient. It is especially helpful when precise positioning is important or when moving around the dental chair may be difficult.

The NOMAD is designed specifically for dental imaging and includes built-in radiation shielding and safety features for clinical use.

When Do We Use a CBCT Scan?

Sometimes a standard dental X-ray does not provide enough information. In these situations, we may recommend a cone beam computed tomography scan, commonly called a CBCT scan.

A CBCT creates a three-dimensional view of the teeth, jawbone, and surrounding structures. Because it provides more detailed information than a traditional two-dimensional X-ray, we reserve CBCT imaging for situations where that additional detail may affect diagnosis or treatment planning.

We may use CBCT imaging when evaluating:

• Dental implant placement

• Complex root or tooth anatomy

• Impacted teeth

• Certain infections or areas of bone loss

• Jaw and airway anatomy

• Dental sleep medicine patients

• Other complex treatment needs

A CBCT is not a routine X-ray for every dental visit. Your dentist will recommend one when the additional three-dimensional information is clinically valuable.

How Dental Imaging Changes Treatment Planning

Dental imaging is not simply about finding cavities. The information we see can completely change how we approach treatment.

For example, a tooth that looks healthy on the surface may have significant decay between the teeth. A painful tooth may have an infection near the root. Before placing a dental implant, three-dimensional imaging can help us evaluate the available bone and nearby anatomical structures.

Imaging helps us answer an important question: What is the safest and most predictable way to treat this patient?

Whenever possible, we use X-rays and digital imaging to plan care before treatment begins. This allows us to explain what we see, review your options with you, and make recommendations based on your individual needs.

Have Questions About Your Dental X-Rays?

We want you to understand your dental health. During your appointment, we can review your X-rays with you and show you the areas we are evaluating.

At Renaissance Family and Cosmetic Dentistry in Folsom, our goal is to use dental technology in a way that improves diagnosis, treatment planning, and your understanding of your care.