Dr. Elliott and the Hygienists at Elliott Dental choose carefully when radiographs are taken. There are many guidelines that they follow, the most basic of which is only take the images that are necessary. Digital X-Rays use far less radiation than older film based systems, and in fact, you get more radiation exposure from a single day in the sun than you do from a full set of digital dental x-rays.
Radiographs allow us to see everything we cannot see with our own eyes. Radiographs enable us to detect cavities in between your teeth, determine bone level, and health of bone. We can also examine the roots and nerves of teeth, diagnose lesions such as cysts or tumors, as well as assess damage when trauma occurs.
Dental radiographs are invaluable aids in diagnosing, treating, and maintaining dental health. Another advantage of digital imaging is that it enables us to not only store patient images, but also enables us to quickly transfer them to appropriate specialists or insurance companies.