Technology

DIGITAL RADIOGRAPHS
X-rays are a focused beam of x-ray particles passed through teeth and bone which produce an image, showing the structure through which it passed.  This provides the familiar black and white images that dentists use to diagnose dental disease.

Without an x-ray of the entire tooth and supporting bone, there would be no way to detect decay and/or pathology that requires attention.  In our office we use digital radiography which allows us to take x-rays using much less radiation than conventional film x-rays.  Using this technology, we are able to take an x-ray of your tooth by using a small sensor which records the image and sends it to our  computer.  The result is a highly detailed digital image of your tooth that can be enhanced to better diagnose dental concerns and determine the very best treatment for each case.  

As a component of treatment planning for a root canal procedure, three dimensional images can be particularly helpful.  A cone beam computerized tomography scan (CBCT) can produce such images, allowing us to better prepare for the procedure, which may be more predictable when this technology is available.  

These images are tremendously valuable because they offer a more lifelike view than a traditional two-dimensional x-ray does.  They can provide a more accurate depiction of the structures of the teeth, including the root canal chambers in the tooth's interior. With advance knowledge of the root canal's structure, we may be able to complete the procedure more efficiently.  It is extremely helpful in diagnosis, retreatment of failing root canals, cracked teeth, multi-canal teeth, dental trauma and other dental concerns.

*FYI:  The amount of radiation exposure is quite small with the CBCT image.  To help you to compare, X-ray radiation is measured in microsieverts.  A 3D imaging dose of radiation for a molar tooth is approximately 18.8 microsieverts.  A mammogram is 700 microsieverts; a chest X-ray is 170 microsieverts.  An airline flight across the United States exposes you to approximately 40 microsieverts.  A year of background radiation is 2400 microsieverts.  There is even radiation in the foods that you eat like bananas, potatoes and beer!  The point is that the digital CT scan dose is  very low and the image it produces is VERY helpful in treating your tooth.

We use TDO Software as it is considered the best endodontic software available. It is used to manage all patient records and information and has comprehensive modules that make our office paperless, a great convenience for our patients and referring dentists.  The website integration allows our patients to securely access the site to complete the medical history and consent forms online before their appointment. The software allows our referring dentists to make referral and receive their patients’ reports and imaging through secured HIPAA compliant portal right after the patient is seen.  This technology enables us to diagnose and treat our patients more efficiently and to communicate more effectively with both the patient and referring doctor that is secured and HIPAA compliant.