Dental X-Rays - Why?

Dental X-rays are one of the most important part of your regular dental treatment. Dr. Chen uses the specialized imaging technology to look for hidden tooth decay - also called cavities - and can show dental issues such as abscessed teeth, dental tumors, and cysts.

Additionally, your dental X-rays allow Dr. Chen to see the condition of prior dental procedures, such as fillings, crowns, root canals, and bridges. And, too, he will be able to look for possible bone loss as a result of periodontal gum disease and find hidden tartar build up.

In addition to diagnostics, your Bellevue dentist Dr. Chen may choose to perform dental X-rays in order to check for bone density as part of preparing you for dental implants, which require an adequate density in order to support the implants.

Like old fashioned dental X-rays, digital dental X-rays are used to take images of your mouth, including tooth structure and your jaw bones. In order to take the digital images, we will place a small sensor in your mouth, carefully positioned. This small sensor is connected to the processing computer by a very thin wire.

Digital x-rays are immediate, which means, there is no waiting time for developing like traditional x-ray films.

With digital dental X-rays, your dentist or other dental professional is able to immediately see your teeth and jaw bones. This means that assessment and diagnosis is virtually instantaneous.

Below are a few advantages of using digital x-ray systems as opposed to old school traditional xray films:

• A reduction in the amount of radiation you are exposed to during the X-ray process - by up to 80%!
• No need for dental film or processing chemicals in order for your dentist to be able to see the images.
• An almost instantaneous ability to see the X-ray images, which means, if you are in pain, you’re not waiting for the images to be processed and then viewed.
• Your dentist is able to use color contrast in viewing and manipulating the X-ray image, in order to see all of the details in the image.

When you are looking for a dentist, you would be well served to choose one who offers digital dental X-rays. The benefits are immense, the process is simple and painless, and you will be able to see the images when your dentist reviews them with you.

Dr. Chen has invested in this awesome technology in the Bellevue dental office, as opposed to traditional film x-rays, so you experience much less radiation and get faster results. These radiographs are extremely accurate and are available instantly so that you don't have to wait for them to develop. Dental x-ray images can be as big as a computer screen, allowing us to diagnose problems much earlier before they become serious. In addition, our use of digital x-rays is environmentally friendly, eliminating chemical and lead waste. This was actually one of Dr. Nelson Chen's goals when he was designing his dental office in Bellevue, back in 2005.