Digital X-Ray

Not all dental problems can be identified with a visual examination. X-rays help our dental team inspect those hard-to-see areas for damage or disease. At Pike & Valega, DDS in Poolesville and Rockville, MD, we use the latest, state-of-the-art dental technology to take digital X-rays.

Learn more about why we chose digital X-rays over traditional film X-rays and see how we use this type of advanced dental technology at our Poolesville and Rockville dental offices.

Why Digital Dental X-Rays Are Better Than Traditional Dental X-Rays

One of the biggest reasons we use digital X-rays at our dental offices is that it improves the patient experience. Not only is the process of taking digital X-rays faster than traditional X-rays, but the entire process is more comfortable.

Patients no longer have to sit still and bite down for prolonged periods as the dental team takes the X-rays.

Some of the other benefits of digital dental X-rays include:

• Captures better, more detailed images – Digital X-rays use 256 shades of gray to create images, while traditional X-rays only use 25 shades of gray.
• Ability to zoom in or magnify areas – Our dentists can enhance digital images so we can take a closer look at problem areas.
• Faster diagnosis – We can diagnose most dental problems in a single appointment as digital X-rays are available almost instantly.
• Easy to store – Digital X-rays are all stored virtually.
• Easy transfer to other dentists – Should we need to refer you to a specialist, digital X-rays can quickly and easily be sent to them, which prevents delays in receiving treatment.

Exposes Patients to Less Radiation

While radiation levels of traditional dental X-rays are relatively low, we understand that our patients are still concerned about radiation exposure. A small amount of radiation is still used with digital dental X-rays, but the amount is dramatically less than traditional ones. The amount of radiation exposure from digital X-rays is estimated to be 80-90% less than traditional X-rays.

At Pike & Valega, DDS, our use of digital dental X-rays reduces patients’ exposure to radiation while allowing us to get the information we need to make an accurate diagnosis.

Digital Dental X-Rays Allow Us To Be Proactive, Not Reactive

Early detection of dental problems allows us to treat the problem quickly before it progresses into a larger, more serious one. The clearer, more detailed images captured with digital X-rays help with the early detection of many dental problems.

By detecting dental problems in their early stages, we can be proactive with treatment and not reactive. A proactive approach to dentistry can help patients save money as dental problems are treated in their early stages when they are often easier and more affordable to treat.

How We Use Digital X-Rays at Our Poolesville and Rockville Dental Offices

We regularly use digital X-rays at our Poolesville dental office and Rockville dental office. Digital dental X-rays are taken as part of your routine dental examination. Our dental team uses the images collected to monitor the health of your teeth and gums. If problems are spotted, we can create a treatment plan that quickly addresses the issue before it progresses.

For patients who are at risk for gum disease, tooth decay, or tooth loss, digital X-rays provide our dental team with a quick, easy way to monitor your oral health. Our dental team can see if there is any progression of gum disease or severe changes in the mouth by comparing the images taken at a current appointment with previous images from a prior appointment.

Digital dental X-rays are also commonly used to help us correctly diagnose a dental problem should you experience any symptoms.
Some of the dental problems that can be identified with the help of digital X-rays include:

• Cavities — not just on the visible tooth surface, but in the areas between the teeth and below the gums
• Issues of infection or decay occurring in the root of a tooth or below the gum line
• Cysts
• Cancerous tumors or other abnormalities
• Tooth decay occurring in hard-to-see areas such as between the teeth or on the back molars
• Bone loss
• Impacted teeth
• Improper tooth growth or poor root placement
• Jawbone deterioration
• Gum disease

State-of-the-Art Dental Care From Pike & Valega, DDS

Schedule an appointment for a consultation or a routine dental exam to see how we use digital dental X-rays at Pike & Valega, DDS. For your convenience, you can use our online contact us form to request an appointment, or you can call our Poolesville dental office or Rockville dental office to schedule an appointment.