Digital X-rays
Digital x-rays, or digital radiographs, have become the standard in Dentistry. These are electronic images that are taken in a similar fashion as a traditional film but use far less radiation and appear in a matter of seconds. There are several advantages to the use of digital x-rays:
- The amount of radiation required is significantly reduced from traditional film
- They can be reviewed immediately for assessing treatment needs
- Since they are digital, the size can be magnified to have better views on a computer screen. This allows dentistry to be diagnosed in its simplest form, which saves the patient money in the long run by saving tooth structure and avoiding costly procedures
- The cost is the same as traditional film, but with a much greater benefit
Not all x-rays are created equal. Long over are the days of the traditional film that your dentist looked at on a lightbox. At Bacsa Family Dental and Implant Center, you will receive the benefit of the most up to date technology in digital x-rays. We will take a comprehensive series on your initial visit and as needed based on the goals you have for your smile, along with the health of your mouth.
We offer a full service of digital x-rays that show us in-between your teeth, all your teeth, and the bone structure around all of your teeth. These reveal different aspects of the jaw and tooth development critical for assessing the individual patient’s needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do I need to have x-rays if my insurance does not cover them?
One of the best tools to keep your cost low in dentistry is x-rays. Depending on the type and view, they allow us to see images of hard and soft tissue that no one can see otherwise. Our goal is to detect decay in its simplest form and x-rays allow us to do this. We just have no way of seeing in between your teeth otherwise. Not having the correct x-rays at the time intervals as determined by your dentist, can allow what could be a small cavity to turn into a large cavity. A large cavity into a potential crown or root canal. We view x-rays as a low-cost investment in prevention.
How often should my x-rays be taken?
This is something that the Dentist can discuss with you based on your physical and oral health. Medications, diets, and genetics can be factored in your overall condition that can increase or decrease your decay rate. Someone with a higher decay rate will have x-rays recommended more often than someone who has no fillings. Because our bodies’ chemistry can change quickly if something goes wrong with our health, it is important to keep regular dental appointments for monitoring. Again, this allows us to keep dentistry as cost-effective as possible.
Will I know ahead of time what they cost?
We pride ourselves on not surprising patients. We do a courtesy check of any insurance benefits and inform you ahead of time if there is an out of pocket cost involved. If you are without dental insurance, ask us about our Bacsa Smile Plan. This is specifically designed for patients without insurance benefits to help them stay healthy.