How are digital X-rays improving treatment?
Digital imaging is a relatively new technology in dentistry and offers features that enhance the viewing of any problem areas. Digital X-rays use low levels of radiation and an electronic sensor to create a black and white picture teeth and surrounding bone. The images are displayed almost instantly on a computer screen and are stored in the computer allowing easy electronic transmission.
Digital X-rays are used inside the mouth to examine the teeth, the jaw-bone, and dental restorations. They play an important role in the diagnosis of decay and failing crowns and fillings, the correct placement of dental implants, and the proper treatment of teeth requiring root canals.
Are there any health risks involved with digital X-rays?
All dental X-rays, including digital X-rays, use very low levels of radiation and are very safe. Protective lead aprons can be used.
What is a CBCT or CAT Scan?
This type of dental X-ray allows the prosthodontist to see your teeth or jaws as a 3D image. It can be one of the most useful ways to allow a safe and predictable outcome for dental implants. State-of-the-art technology makes it possible for implant-supported replacement teeth to look, feel, and function like natural teeth.
What is CAD/CAM and how can it help treatment?
CAD/CAM stands for “computer-aided design / computer-aided manufacturing”. Prosthodontists use CAD/CAM systems to design and create crowns, bridges, dentures, and other prostheses more quickly than was possible before.
Using advanced 3D printing technology, CAD/CAM turns a computer model into physical reality. Prosthodontists who offer “chairside” CAD/CAM can provide some treatments, such as crowns and veneers, in a single visit.
How is laser surgery used in prosthodontic treatment?
Dental lasers are a new treatment option for diseases of hard and soft tissues and teeth. The dental laser is a machine that focuses a beam of energy down a hollow tube of a thin strand of glass filament. Lasers are a safe way to allow your prosthodontist to remove extra gum tissue. This focused heated energy can remove the tissue being worked on. It also lessens bleeding and swelling, and kills bacteria limiting disease potential.
Using laser surgery may also reduce the need for dental anesthesia, giving your prosthodontist more control with bleeding, less swelling after a procedure, and less discomfort.
What is radiography?
Radiography refers to the use of X-ray radiation to create images of structures of the body. Like medicine, digital radiography is gradually replacing the traditional dental radiographs using film. Either technique uses low levels of radiation to create a black and white picture of the various structures in and near the mouth. X-rays are used inside the mouth to examine the teeth, the jaw-bone, and dental restorations.
Dental X-rays play an important role in the diagnosis of decay and failing crowns and fillings, the correct placement of dental implants, and the proper treatment of teeth requiring root canals. X-rays are utilized to help with evaluation of the upper and lower jaws, the sinuses and the temporomandibular joints. All dental X-rays, including digital X-rays, use very low levels of radiation and are very safe. Protective lead aprons can be used to cover various body parts X-rays are taken.