Ronald Hawk DDS Cosmetic Dentistry in Boca Raton, FL

Digital X-raysDigital X-rays are the Key to Early Detection and Treatment of Dental Problems

Dental X-ray examinations, also known as dental radiographs, provide valuable information that helps Dr. Hawk evaluate your oral health. We use digital X-rays in our office for the highest quality imaging and patient safety.

With the help of digital X-rays, Dr. Hawk can see what is happening beneath the surface of your teeth and gums. How often you need dental X-rays taken depends on your oral health, your age, your risk for gum disease, and any signs and symptoms of oral disease that you may be experiencing. Children may require more frequent X-rays than adults because their teeth and jaws are still developing.

X-rays for New Patients

If you are a new patient, Dr. Hawk may recommend digital X-rays to determine the present status of your oral health and to help identify potential changes that may occur later. A new set of X-rays may be needed to help detect any new cavities, determine the status of your gum health or evaluate the growth and development of your teeth. If a previous dentist has taken any X-rays of your mouth, it is helpful to bring copies of them to your first appointment, if possible.

Benefits of a Dental X-ray Examination

Finding and treating dental problems at an early state can save time, money and unnecessary discomfort. X-rays can help Dr. Hawk detect problems in your mouth that otherwise would not be seen, such as:

  • Small areas of decay between the teeth or below existing restorations (fillings)
  • Infections in the bone
  • Periodontal (gum) disease
  • Abscesses or cysts
  • Developmental abnormalities
  • Some types of tumors

Dental X-rays and Radiation

The amount of radiation we are exposed to from dental X-rays is very small compared to our daily exposure from things like cosmic radiation and naturally-occurring radioactive elements (for example, those producing radon). Today's dentists are very concerned about minimizing the amount of radiation a patient receives at the dental office. We use digital X-rays at Hawk Dental Artistry, as they offer the advantage of 80 percent reduction in radiation exposure compared to traditional film X-ray methods. Digital X-rays also offer instant imaging results, superior image quality and environmentally friendly technology.