Dental Radiographs

At  The Dental Alternative Center we respect each patient’s choice to make informed decisions about his/her healthcare. Therefore, examinations are always recommended on a yearly basis and dental radiographs (x-rays) are always recommended on a patient-to-patient basis.

Standard recommendations have been made by the American Dental Association, the FDA, and many dental insurance companies. Because we are licensed by the State of Colorado to provide dental treatment, we are obligated to simultaneously consider these recommendations while also honoring out patients’ individual needs and concerns.

Dental radiographs are important diagnostic tools which are used for making treatment decisions. Some of the most common uses of dental radiographs are to:

•  Show areas of decay (cavities) that are not visible with an oral exam, especially between teeth
•  To identify decay occurring beneath existing restoration such as fillings, crowns, bridges, etc.
•  Reveal changes in the bone and/or bone loss that accompanies periodontitis (gum disease)
•  Assist in the preparation for treatment planning
•  Reveal abscesses (infection at the root of the tooth or between tooth and gum
•  Reveal any abnormalities in the hard and/or soft tissues of the mouth (cysts, tumors, fibroma, etc)

At The Dental Alternative Center, we understand the concerns regarding ionizing radiation.  Therefore, we indivdalize our dental radiograph recommendations to each patient’s needs and utilize digital radiography.  This type of dental radiograph is much more accurate and precise.  Digital radiographs use up to 90% less radiation as compared to traditional dental radiograph films.  Digital Radiography is also much more ecologically friendly, no hazardous fixer/ developer solutions or lead foil to dispose of.  Once the digital radiograph is taken, it is stored in an electronic file which can be easily transferred to other healthcare practitioners, reducing multiple unnecessary radiation exposures.  Be assured, we only recommend dental radiographs to help prevent serious dental issues which can arise without symptoms and to diagnose and monitor progressive dental disease.