Digital Dental X-Rays –
Detect and Prevent Oral Health Issues

Digital dental X-rays are an important tool in assessing and managing a patient’s oral health. Digital dental X-rays can be used to detect complex dental issues such as gum disease, jaw damage, and tooth growth that cannot be found during an oral examination.

Dr. Sarah Latterell uses the highest technology to deliver the best results and procedures. Digital dental X-rays are the best way for Dr. Sarah to spot oral health issues before they develop into more severe issues. Digital dental X-rays can detect:

There are many different kinds of dental X-rays. Intraoral X-rays are the most common type of X-ray. They are taken using a digital sensor that is placed inside the mouth. Intraoral X-rays show intricate details of each tooth and the adjacent bone.

Extraoral X-rays are taken using a digital sensor that rotates around you head, outside of your mouth. Extraoral X-rays can detect dental issues in the skull and jaw as well as the teeth. Digital X-rays allow the images to be viewed instantaneously.

Dr. Sarah offers the following types of digital dental X-rays:

The most common type of digital dental X-ray, Bitewing intraoral X-rays, detail the upper and lower teeth in one part of the mouth. They are typically used to detect tooth decay, bone loss, and gum disease, and to spot developing teeth in children and teens.

During an intraoral bitewing X-ray, the patient bites down on the X-ray sensor while the images are captured. Bitewing intraoral X-rays also allow Dr. Sarah to measure bone height in the patient’s mouth between the gum and jaw. This allows her to diagnose and treat issues such as gum disease and cavities.

Periapical X-rays show the entire tooth, from where the root meets the jaw to the crown of the tooth. These X-rays are used to assess unusual changes to the root and the surrounding bone that may have been caused by injury, fracture, or disease. Periapical X-rays can also help diagnose common oral health issues such as tooth decay, gum disease, and bone loss.

Occlusal X-rays look at the arch of teeth in either the upper or lower jaw. They can reveal extra teeth, missing teeth, or fractures and growths in the jaw. Dr. Sarah typically uses occlusal X-rays to determine why a tooth has not yet broken through the gums, or if there is extra tooth growth. Occlusal X-rays can also reveal foreign objects that may be stuck in the mouth.

Bitewing extraoral X-rays align the X-ray beam perpendicular to the long axis of the patient’s teeth outside of the mouth. These types of X-rays are used to assess the jaw and skull and detect signs of bone loss or decay. Bitewing extraoral X-rays are a great option for children who may struggle with intraoral X-rays, which require the patient to bite down on the film.

Panoramic X-rays are a type of X-ray that assesses the entire mouth. This includes the teeth, upper and lower jaws, skull, TMJ and surrounding structures. The film for a panoramic X-ray machine is outside of the mouth and captures a 2-dimensional image. If your child needs braces or wisdom teeth removal, your dentist will recommend a panoramic X-ray before treatment. Panoramic X-rays can also detect bone abnormalities, fractures, cysts, infections, and tumors.