X-Rays & Scans
General Dentistry
Dental X-Rays
Dental X-rays provide us with a wealth of information related to the health of your teeth and gums. We utilize effective digital X-ray technology to obtain high-resolution images that give us a way to look for disease and abnormalities in the teeth and gums.
Facts about Dental X-Rays
We are all concerned about radiation and its adverse effects, but modern technology has allowed the dental field to come a long way in this regard. Today, our dental office uses up-to-date digital radiographic technology for intraoral radiographs and panoramic radiographs, which allow us to obtain more information with less radiation faster than traditional dental X-ray techniques.
Dr. Fienman uses the information on X-rays to look for the presence of normal growth and development and the absence of abnormalities such as:
- Cavities
- Gum disease
- Abscesses/infections
- Cysts
- Impacted teeth
- Fractured teeth
- Extra teeth that could be problematic
iTero® Digital Scanner
Most orthodontic treatments begin with a mold of your mouth that involves messy impression materials. With the iTero Digital Scanner, you can say goodbye to the mess. iTero eliminates this step, replacing it with digital images captured with a handheld wand. The images quickly appear on a computer monitor as 3-D models of your teeth.
- NO messy impressions, NO bad taste
- INSTANT images for review. See what your smile could look like immediately with Invisalign therapy.
- SAFE No radiation, digital scan of your smile
- DETAILED reproduction for better outcomes
- FASTER case completion
- EXCEPTIONAL fitting restorations and appliances
Thankfully, old-school impressions are no longer the only option. With state-of-the-art technology and the progressive dentist office that’s providing your treatment, making a great—and comfortable—first impression with the iTero® scanner has never been easier.
The iTero® scanner allows Dr. Fienman to take a digital impression—a highly accurate, digital 3D image of the individual characteristics of your tooth surfaces and gum tissue. The iTero® scanner is all about keeping you comfortable while delivering precise imagery, without the putty-filled impression tray that makes you gag!
Not only is it more comfortable, but taking a digital scan for your new crown, bridge, or Invisalign® aligners is quick, which allows you to spend less time at the dentist’s office and more time enjoying your new smile!
CBCT 3D Imaging Technology
Are your dentists taking a 3D X-ray before a dental implant or when you come to them with pain from a potentially cracked tooth? They should be!
CBCT 3D imaging technology is quickly becoming the standard of care for implant placement, cracked teeth, pathology, and more, all while being easier to use and more comfortable for patients than traditional 2D X-rays.
Three-dimensional imaging enables us to see all dimensions for a more comprehensive identification of dental problems.
CBCT imaging is also much faster. We can see the images within seconds, so we can give you the answers you need sooner rather than later.
During CBCT (cone beam computed tomography) imaging, an X-ray tube, and detector panel rotate around the patient to capture data with a cone-shaped X-ray beam. This data is then used to reconstruct a 3D image of the teeth, mouth, jaw, neck, ears, nose, throat, soft tissue, and overall bone structure as necessary for each patient.
Adam Fienman, DDS, can use CBCT technology for a number of purposes, including:
- Dental implant placement surgery
- Bone quality studies
- Periodontics
- Root canals
- TMJ
- Impacted and supernumerary teeth
- Airway analysis
Like CT scans or other imaging techniques, this dental technology does involve some radiation, but it’s minimal. In fact, the amount of radiation experienced during a CBCT scan is similar to that of a typical cross-country airplane flight. The benefits of CBCT scans far outweigh any risks associated with radiation. Comprehensive dental care can actually prevent some forms of cancer, as well as offer a multitude of other benefits.
Our West Bloomfield dental office is proud to provide this service to enhance patient care. By investing in this modern technology as well as many other diagnostic tools, we are making investments into your lifelong oral health.
Frequently Asked Questions About X-Rays & Scans
Why do I need dental x-rays?
Dental x-rays show what cannot be seen during a visual exam, including cavities between teeth, the health of the bone supporting your teeth, root problems, infections, and other issues developing below the gumline. Catching these early at our West Bloomfield office usually means simpler, more comfortable treatment.
Are dental x-rays safe?
Yes, dental x-rays are safe. The digital x-rays used at our West Bloomfield practice produce a very low dose of radiation, far less than older film systems and less than the natural background radiation you receive in a single day. X-rays are taken on a routine schedule to catch issues before they become bigger problems. We only take the minimum of images needed for your care on a schedule that allows us to monitor changes over time.
What can dental x-rays and scans show that a regular exam cannot?
Dental x-rays and scans can reveal:
- Cavities between teeth and under existing fillings
- Infections at the tip of a tooth root
- Bone loss from periodontal disease
- Impacted or unerupted teeth, including wisdom teeth
- The position of the jaw joint and surrounding structures
Our iTero digital scanner and intraoral camera add another layer of detail to support accurate treatment planning.
Are dental x-rays safe during pregnancy?
Routine dental x-rays are typically postponed during pregnancy unless there is an urgent need. When imaging is necessary, extra shielding is used and only essential images are taken. Dr. Fienman will work with you to better understand your options if you are pregnant or trying to conceive.