Dental x-rays play a vital role in understanding and diagnosing various dental conditions by capturing detailed images of your teeth and gums using low radiation levels. These images allow our dentists to carefully check for signs of decay, disease, and other oral health issues that may not be visible to the naked eye.
Importance of Dental X-rays in Diagnosis and Treatment Planning
A major benefit of dental x-rays is their ability to detect dental problems in their early stages. They reveal cavities between teeth, under existing fillings, and beneath the gum line, where decay may begin. By identifying issues early, we can intervene promptly with less invasive treatments, preventing more extensive damage and saving teeth from further decay.
X-rays are also essential for assessing the health of teeth’ roots and surrounding bone structure. They help our dentists evaluate conditions such as bone loss due to gum disease or infections, which is crucial for planning treatments like root canals, extractions, or dental implants. This detailed insight into tooth and bone health ensures that treatment plans are precise and suitable for each patient’s oral anatomy.
Enhanced Safety with Modern Dental X-ray Systems at Our Mindarie Clinic
We prioritise your safety and comfort by using modern digital x-ray systems that represent the latest advancements in dental imaging.
Our digital x-ray systems emit much lower radiation doses than traditional film x-rays. Reducing radiation exposure ensures our patients receive high care while safeguarding their long-term health. Minimising radiation without compromising diagnostic quality, we are committed to providing safe and effective dental diagnostic procedures.
Treatments Carried Out by Compassionate Dentists and HygienistsÂ
Flexible Finance Options to Help You Manage Your Dental CareÂ
Emergency Dental Services Available for Immediate CareÂ
Why Choose Mindarie Quinns Dental Centre for Dental Splints?
Choosing us for your dental splint needs ensures you receive expert craftsmanship and attentive care. Our team carefully designs occlusal splints to address specific concerns such as teeth grinding (bruxism).
Our dental splints are crafted using premium materials and advanced techniques to ensure durability and effectiveness.
By choosing us, you benefit from our:
- Expertise: Our skilled dentists have extensive experience designing and fitting dental splints.
- Precision: Each splint is meticulously crafted to ensure a precise fit and optimal functionality.
- One-to-one Care: We prioritise oral health and provide ongoing support to ensure your splint meets your needs effectively.
Treatments Carried Out by Compassionate Dentists and HygienistsÂ
Flexible Finance Options to Help You Manage Your Dental CareÂ
Emergency Dental Services Available for Immediate CareÂ
Types of Dental X-rays
Dental x-rays are categorised into two main types based on where the x-ray film or sensor is placed about the patient’s mouth:
1. Intraoral X-rays
These are taken with the film or sensor inside the mouth, providing detailed images of the teeth and surrounding structures. They are commonly used to diagnose issues with teeth and gums.
Types of Intraoral X-rays:
Bitewing X-rays:Â These x-rays help the dentists see entire upper and lower teeth in a single view. They are typically used to check for decay between teeth and changes in bone density caused by gum disease. Bitewing x-rays are commonly used during routine dental check-ups.
Periapical X-rays:Â This type focuses on one or two teeth from root to crown. It captures details of the entire tooth structure, including the root and surrounding bone. Periapical x-rays help diagnose dental issues such as infections, abscesses, and bone loss.
Occlusal X-rays:Â These x-rays capture the entire arch of teeth in either the upper or lower jaw. They provide a broad view of tooth development and placement in children and can detect large areas of decay, bone abnormalities, or jaw fractures.
2. Extraoral X-rays
Such x-rays are taken with the film or sensor outside the mouth. They provide a broader view of the skull and jaw, which helps detect issues that affect the entire mouth and jaw area.
Types of Extraoral X-rays:
Panoramic X-rays:Â These x-rays produce a single image of the entire mouth, including all teeth in both the upper and lower jaws. They help evaluate impacted teeth, plan teeth alignment treatments, and detect oral tumours.
Cone Beam CT (Computed Tomography) Scan: This type of x-ray provides a 3Dview of the teeth, jawbone, and surrounding structures. Cone beam CT scans are highly detailed and used for precise treatment planning in complex cases such as dental implants.
How A Dental X-ray is Done at our Mindarie Clinic
When you come in for your dental x-ray appointment, there’s no need for extraordinary preparation. Brushing your teeth beforehand is a good idea to ensure a clean environment for the procedure. This helps create optimal conditions for the dental team working inside your mouth.
At our dentist’s office, you’ll be comfortably seated in a chair with a lead vest placed across your chest and lap. This vest protects other parts of your body from radiation exposure during the x-ray process. The x-ray machine will be positioned alongside your head to capture detailed images of your mouth and teeth.
Once you’re positioned correctly and the equipment is in place, our dental professional will step behind a protective barrier and activate the x-ray machine. You may be asked to hold still briefly while the images are captured. This allows for clear and precise images of your teeth, gums, and underlying bone structure, which is essential for accurately diagnosing dental issues.
After the x-rays are taken, our dentist will review the images to evaluate your oral health. We will discuss any findings with you and suggest the necessary treatments or further evaluations based on the x-ray results.
Dental X-ray Costs
Understanding the cost of dental x-rays is essential for anyone seeking thorough dental care. The price depends on factors, including the type of x-ray needed, the dental clinic’s location, and whether additional imaging services are required.
If you want to know our clinic’s exact dental x-ray costs, call us today.
Contact Us
Mindarie Quinns Dental Centre aims to offer the best care in a comfortable and supportive environment. Please don’t hesitate to ask if you have any questions about the dental x-ray procedure or any other aspect of your dental health. Call to book an appointment.
Dental X-rays FAQ’s
Are dental x-rays safe?
Yes, dental x-rays are safe when conducted with appropriate precautions. Modern digital x-ray technology minimises radiation exposure compared to older methods. Our dentists follow strict guidelines to ensure that X-rays are used only when necessary and that patients receive the lowest possible radiation dose.
What do dentists use dental x-rays for?
Dentists use dental x-rays to diagnose and monitor oral health conditions that may not be seen during a regular dental exam. x-rays help detect cavities, gum disease, infections, impacted teeth, and other issues affecting the teeth and jawbone.
How many types of dental x-rays are there?
There are several types of dental x-rays, categorised into intraoral (inside the mouth) and extraoral (outside the mouth) types. Common types include bitewing, periapical, panoramic, cephalometric, and cone beam CT scans.
How often do I need dental x-rays?
How often you need to undergo dental x-rays depend on your oral health status, age, and risk factors for dental problems. For most adults, x-rays may be needed every 1-2 years for routine check-ups. Patients with specific dental conditions or undergoing treatments may require X-rays more frequently.
Is it uncomfortable to take an x-ray in your clinic?
We strive to make the x-ray experience as comfortable as possible for our patients. Our team ensures you are positioned comfortably, and we communicate throughout the process to address any concerns or discomfort you may have.
Are dental x-rays worth It?
Dental x-rays are worth it as they provide valuable diagnostic information that aids in detecting dental issues early. This can lead to timely treatment and potentially prevent more serious dental problems.
How many x-rays do you need for a dental exam?
The number of x-rays needed for a dental exam depends on your dental history, age, and oral health status. Typically, a set of bitewing x-rays (4 x-rays) is taken for routine check-ups, while additional x-rays may be necessary based on specific concerns.
When are 3D dental x-rays necessary?
3D dental x-rays, such as cone beam CT scans, are necessary when detailed, three-dimensional images of the teeth, jawbone, and surrounding structures are required. They are valuable for planning complex dental treatments like implants.
Can I get a dental x-ray while pregnant?
Generally, routine dental x-rays are avoided during pregnancy as a precaution, especially during the first trimester. However, if an x-ray is necessary for urgent dental treatment, precautions such as shielding with a lead apron can minimise radiation exposure to the foetus.
What our patients say
Mindarie Quinns Dental Centre
Suite 3/10 Mindarie Drive
Quinns Rocks, Western Australia 6030
Tel:Â (08) 9305 9990
Public Transport:
The clinic is conveniently located just a 10-minute walk from Clarkson Station Stand 2 (Stop Number 21911), making it easily accessible by public transportation.