Digital X-Rays

Updated Technology

Waters Family Dentistry has updated the entire office to digital X-rays, which offer several advantages. They are fast, produce immediate diagnostic images, and require less radiation exposure than the X-ray films of the past. They produce clear images and we use the latest dental technology and software to view and modify them as necessary. We are committed to utilizing the latest technology to keep you safe and do the best job possible.

Dental X-rays are a useful diagnostic tool when helping us detect damage and disease not visible during a regular dental exam. How often X-rays should be taken depends on each person’s specific circumstances including the risk of dental decay, history of cavities, general health, and other factors. The types of X-rays that we do on a regular basis are bitewings (checking for cavities in between the teeth), and a panorex (a full view of the teeth, roots and jaws). Bitewings are taken more often, and the panorex is taken every 3 to 5 years.

If you are a new patient, we will recommend X-rays to determine the present status of your oral health and have a baseline to help identify changes that may occur later. We will make every attempt to obtain your most recent X-rays from your previous dentist. Depending on the time since those X-rays were taken, we may still need to update your X-rays in our office.

Dental X-rays are safe; they do require very low levels of radiation exposure. Dental X-ray tools and techniques are designed to limit the body’s exposure to radiation and every precaution is taken to ensure that radiation exposure is as low as possible. A leaded apron is always used to cover the lower body. Please remember, the risks of not taking dental X-rays is much greater than the risk that the very small amount of radiation poses.