Radiographs

Dental radiographs (X-rays) are a very sensitive subject for many patients. Many patients don’t like radiographs. And who does like to be “zapped” with “radiation”. Here at North Shore Dentists of Smithtown, all our equipment is specialized to deliver low dose radiation to allow for minimal exposure. A fun comparison we give is that a dental X-ray will give the same amount of radiation as consuming two bananas.
Why do dentists stress radiographs so often?
Radiographs are important because they allow us see what isn’t visible during a routine exam. Often times they are used to detect cavities in between teeth, bone loss, infections due to a root canal or an implant that might be failing, pathology and other hidden issues before they cause pain or more serious damage. This early detection means treatment can be simpler, more conservative, and more affordable, while also helping you maintain long-term oral health.
They are also very safe when used appropriately. At North Shore Dentists of Smithtown we are firm believers of ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable). Our modern dental X-rays use extremely low levels of radiation, and digital technology has reduced exposure even further compared to older methods. We use the standard protective measures such as lead aprons and thyroid collars. We can also assure you, your dental team will only take radiographs when they are clinically necessary. Overall, the benefits of diagnosing and preventing dental problems far outweigh the minimal risk involved.
Types of X rays we have
Nomad Handheld – The Nomad is a specially designed handheld device used to obtain radiographs. The Nomad is used to obtain basic routine radiographs. The device is fully digital so much there is much less exposure to the patient
Panoramic Radiographs and CBCT- Panoramic radiographs and CBCT have helped out tremendously in diagnostics in the dental field.
A Panoramic Radiograph is used to obtain a 2 Dimension image of the mouth. While not as diagnostic for cavities as your typical routine radiographs, the panoramic radiograph serves many important purposes in dentistry. The pranoramic radiograph allows for use to get a good view of the patients entire face. Often being able to see sinuses, nerve positions, wisdom teeth as well as infections. A panoramic radiograph is also used to determine jaw positions, condyle positions and often helps in diagnosis of TMJ
A CBCT machine is the most modern radiograph equipment on the market and is like the panoramic radiograph however in 3 dimensions. Again, while not the most diagnostic for cavities, these are often used for detection of surrounding structures. Bone quality can be determined by a CBCT and is the gold standard of implant planning. This image allows us to see everything a panoramic radiograph does but in 3D. Allowing us to see also how wide structures are. Imagine a panoramic radiograph is like taking a drawing of a patient’s face. A CBCT adds the extra dimension of depth