When you come in for a general exam or consultation with McCullough Dental, we will use advanced dental X-ray machines to take scans of your teeth. You might be wondering how this process will work, or even how the X-rays themselves take scans of your smile.
Simply put, X-rays shoot a specialized kind of ray that is not stopped by soft tissue and organs. However, it is stopped by dense materials in your body, such as your bones and teeth. These rays are picked up by the X-ray machine and turned into an image we can examine. We get to see your teeth and any imperfections such as cracks or cavities, since the rays will go through the cracks.
The rays emitted from an X-ray machine are completely harmless in small quantities, so you don’t need to worry about any side effects from your dental X-rays.
The Different Kinds of Dental X-Rays
There are many kinds of X-rays; some X-rays scan your ribs, some scan your hands, and some scan your teeth.
Dental X-rays come in two forms:
- A small device, about the size of a spoon, which is placed inside your mouth to take a scan of one side of your mouth
- A large X-ray machine where nothing touches your mouth, and instead you step inside the X-ray machine and it rotates around your head, grabbing a 3D look at your teeth
The different X-rays we use depend on how much information we need to plan your treatment. A small device will capture details of your teeth that we use for preventative care, and a full picture of your smile can help us plan orthodontic treatment and implants.
Orthopos Advanced Scans
McCullough Dentistry, in Bakersfield, California, offers highly advanced technology that aids us in planning even the most difficult of cases.
We utilize the Orthopos scanner, which takes 2D and 3D X-rays. These scans are used for planning implant placement, orthodontic procedures, and other intense dental treatments. This scanner is top of its line, creating ease for patients and dentists during their treatment.
The Orthopos Experience
Orthopos scans are similar to other kinds of X-ray machines, but this scanner has a stabilizer for your forehead and chin. You will rest your chin on the comfortable stabilizer, and the Orthopos will quickly take whatever scans Dr. McCullough needs. This process should not be more than a minute long.
The stabilizing pads help dentists receive crisp pictures that allow them to easily plan treatments that will improve your smile!
General Dentistry X-rays
We take X-rays every time you come in for an exam or general dentistry visit. They are the first step in preventative care since the scans will capture things the naked eye cannot see.
X-rays can spot things like:
- Cavities
- Chips
- Cracks
- Weak areas
- Infections
These are things that simply are not visible to either you or the dentist. Catching these early can allow for minimally invasive and less costly procedures to restore your oral health.
Collaborating with Your Dental Team
X-rays allow your dental team to easily collaborate with you. We will show you your X-rays so you know exactly how your oral health is doing. Once we have updated you on what your X-rays mean, we will create a treatment plan using the information on the scans.
We can also create a digital construction of what your smile will look like after your treatment is done. These images can’t be created with the use of an X-ray!
Using X-ray technology helps you have a say in your treatments and smile goals.
Experience Improved Dentistry with X-Rays
X-rays can greatly improve your experience at your next dental visit. These amazing scans can capture even the smallest concern, all while maintaining your safety and comfort. You can visit McCullough Dental for X-rays and other dental technology that improves your visit drastically!