Digital Dental X-Rays in Santa Barbara, Lompoc, and Santa Maria

Digital dental x-rays, also known as dental radiographs, are images of your teeth and jaw that dentists use to evaluate your health. This allows your dentist to identify and diagnose potential problems like impacted teeth, cavities, tooth decay, and more.

Learn more about the different types of dental x-rays and how they help us provide the best dental care possible. Schedule an appointment now!

Why Are X-Rays Used In Dentistry?

Digital dental x-rays are invaluable tools in dentistry. This is because they help dentists understand the internal condition of your teeth and jaw. With comprehensive dental radiographs, we can identify and treat dental problems that may not be detectable in a physical exam.

How Often Are Dental X-Rays Needed?

Usually, x-rays are only required annually. However, there is no hard or fast rule for how often you should get dental x-rays because your timeframe will depend on your oral health, age, and disease risk or symptoms.

For example, children need x-rays pretty frequently, as their teeth are always developing, and are at a higher risk of tooth decay. However, adults may need x-rays more frequently. Your dentist will look at your history and disease risks and let you know when you need imaging.

What Issues Can Digital Dental X-Rays Detect?

Digital dental x-rays are capable of detecting many different dental conditions. They can identify tooth decay, bone loss, root canal problems, abscesses, cysts, tumors, and more. They are also helpful in monitoring children’s oral growth, wisdom tooth development, impacted teeth, and adult teeth eruption.

Types Of Dental X-Rays

There are many different types of dental x-rays. There are intraoral x-rays (where the x-ray is taken inside the mouth), extraoral x-rays (where the x-ray is taken outside of the mouth), and other imaging categories beneath these two types.

Intraoral X-rays

Intraoral x-rays are the most common imaging method. These x-rays are taken inside the mouth, providing detail about cavities, tooth root and bone health, developing teeth, and more. Intraoral x-rays include:

a patient's dental x-ray of the top of the mouth

Occlusal

This method is done with the jaw closed to see how the upper and lower teeth line up. It also checks for abnormalities in the upper palate and the bottom floor of the mouth.

dental x-rays of a patient's mouth used before orthodontic treatment

Periapical Radiograph

This method takes imaging of two adjacent teeth from root to crown, providing close-up detail for specific areas.

Extraoral X-rays

Extraoral x-rays are used when there are potential issues in the jaw or skull. These are used to look for impacted teeth, growth monitoring, TMJ, or other issues surrounding the teeth and gums. Extraoral x-rays include:

an orthodontic professional holding a patient's x-rays in the air to inspect them

Panoramic X-rays

This method shows the entire mouth area, including the upper and lower teeth, in one image. This helps detect tooth position, impacted teeth, or tumors.

side x-ray image of a patient with occlusion of the teeth

Cephalometric X-Ray/Projection

This method shows the entire side of the head, examining the position of the teeth in relation to the jaw. This is also a common diagnostic technique for orthodontists.

an orthodontic assistant giving an orthodontic patient a ct x-ray

CT Scans

This method shows a single layer, or slice, of the mouth, while blurring out other features. This helps get a granular view of structures that are otherwise difficult to see.

a 3d image of a close up of nerves in the mouth

Sialography

This method uses the injection of a dye into the salivary glands. From there, we can clearly see the organ and diagnose potential problems like blockages or Sjögren's syndrome.

an orthodontist and his assistant viewing a patient's 3d scans on a monitor

Computed Tomography

This method, also known as CT scanning, images the body in three dimensions. They are used to evaluate the bone structure, check for tumors and fractures, and plan for implants or extractions.

What Are The Benefits Of Digital X-Rays?

Unlike traditional x-rays, which require film development in a darkroom, digital dental x-rays create an image that can be viewed and analyzed on a computer. This technology allows for instant visibility, so your dentist can show you where the problem lies.

Modern software compares previous imaging with new imaging, allowing us to understand changes that occur over time. Plus, these electronic files can be easily sent to other specialists for a second opinion or further treatment.

Are Dental X-Rays Safe?

X-rays only emit a small, controlled amount of radiation, which means you are highly unlikely to develop any issues due to radiation. We also give you protective gear to reduce the amount of radiation you are exposed to.

Traditional x-rays also limit the body’s exposure to radiation, and every precaution is taken to ensure that exposure is negligible. That being said, new digital dental x-rays technology emits 90% less radiation, making dental imaging safer than ever!

Get Your Dental X-Rays in Santa Barbara, Lompoc, and Santa Maria

In addition to your bi-yearly cleaning appointments, getting digital dental x-rays is a necessary part of maintaining your dental health. Depending on factors like your age or health, your dentist will let you know when you should get imaging.

Digital dental radiographs are quick, easy, and allow us to provide you with the best quality dental care. Schedule an appointment to learn more about our digital dental x-ray options!