X-rays & imaging
For seeing decay, bone and infection that an exam on its own cannot show.
X-rays here are digital: a small sensor instead of film, so the picture is on the screen beside you in seconds. The small images show what an exam cannot — decay between two teeth, infection at a root tip, the bone level under your gums — and the panoramic unit in its own room takes the whole jaw in one pass.
What we use X-rays for.
- At a first visit, to see the parts of your teeth and jaw an exam cannot reach.
- To find decay starting between two teeth, where it stays hidden until it is large.
- To check the bone around the teeth when gums bleed or have pulled back.
- To confirm infection at the tip of a root before a root canal or an extraction.
- To see all four wisdom teeth, the jaw joints and the sinuses in one picture.
- To follow a child's adult teeth as they form under the baby teeth.
Taking an X-ray, step by step.
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Only when needed
Dr. Malik takes X-rays when your history and what he sees call for it, not at every visit. Recent images from another dentist can be sent over instead.
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A sensor, not film
A small sensor on a plastic holder goes in your mouth and you bite gently to hold it steady. Each image takes a second or two.
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Or the whole jaw at once
For wisdom teeth, an implant or a jaw problem you stand at the panoramic unit instead, in its own room, and it travels around your head in under half a minute. Nothing goes in your mouth for that one.
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Cover and step out
A lead apron with a thyroid collar goes over you first. We step out of the room for the moment the machine runs, then come straight back.
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On the screen
The image is up on the monitor before you sit up. Dr. Malik turns it towards you and points out what he is looking at.
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Kept on your file
Your images stay on file, so the next set can be compared against this one. They go with you if you move to another dentist; just ask.
How we bill X-rays.
X-rays are taken during the appointment you are already in and billed with it, so they never need a visit of their own. Plans pay for a set number of images in a year, and for a panoramic one far less often than that, which is why we ask another office to send yours over rather than repeating them.
Ask us what it will costX-rays & imaging, answered.
Are dental X-rays safe?
The dose from a digital X-ray is small, lower than film, and a lead apron and thyroid collar cover you. Dr. Malik takes them when there is a reason to, not by routine.
How often do I need dental X-rays?
Most adults with healthy teeth need a small set once a year or so. If you get cavities often, or your gums need watching, they come round more frequently, and if you have had none taken for years the first visit usually starts with a set.
Can I have dental X-rays while pregnant?
Tell us if you are pregnant or think you may be. Routine images usually wait. If there is pain or infection, an X-ray is taken with an apron, because leaving the infection is the bigger risk.
Can you use the X-rays from my old dentist?
Yes, if they are recent enough. Give us the name of the office and we ask them to send the files, which saves you a set.
