We know that many people today are understandably concerned about their exposure to radiation. Estimates vary, but in general, digital x-rays have been found to expose patients to as much as 80 percent less radiation than the older film x-rays.

Digital x-rays offer many benefits compared to film x-rays:

• We can detect conditions like decay and dental infection long before we would be able to see them with a visual exam or on a film x-ray. When we find and treat problems in their earliest stages, we can help you avoid the expense and inconvenience of complicated problems in the future.
• Taking digital x-rays is comfortable because we do not have to use bulky film x-rays that can be difficult to hold in your mouth. Instead, we use a small, flat sensor that transfers the image digitally to our computer.
• Within moments, we can share the image with you on your chair-side monitor. Dr. Yanela Gonzalez can zoom in on the image, rotate it, and make it larger or smaller so you can clearly see what the problem is and why we recommend treatment.

Panoramic Digital X-Rays

We can obtain a lot of information with digital x-rays, but for some procedures, we need access to a single x-ray image that shows us entire sections of your mouth structure. Panoramic x-rays take two-dimensional images that are highly detailed. A panoramic image includes your teeth, upper and lower jaws, and surrounding bone and tissues.