Dental Technology: Digital X-Rays & 3D Imaging in Christiansburg, VA

Digital X-rays use an electronic sensor instead of film. The image appears on a screen within seconds, so there is no waiting for film to develop, and the dentist can enlarge it to look closely at a tooth. Digital X-rays generally need less radiation than traditional film X-rays.

Common types of dental X-rays for children include:

• Bitewing X-rays: show cavities between the back teeth, which are hard to see during an exam.
• Periapical X-rays: show the whole tooth, including the roots and the bone around them.
• Panoramic X-rays: show all the teeth and jaws in one picture, helpful for checking growth and teeth that have not come in yet.

Some questions cannot be answered with a flat, two-dimensional X-ray. 3D imaging, also called cone beam CT, creates a three-dimensional view of the teeth and jaws. It is not part of routine checkups. The dentist may recommend it in specific situations, for example:

• Teeth that are stuck, out of place or slow to come in.
• Extra teeth or missing teeth.
• Injuries to the teeth or jaw.
• Planning for orthodontic care or complex treatment.

When 3D imaging is recommended, we will explain why it is needed and what it will show.

The amount of radiation from dental X-rays is small, but we still follow the principle of keeping it as low as reasonably achievable. That means:

• Taking X-rays based on your child's needs and risk, following American Dental Association and FDA guidance, not on a fixed schedule.
• Using digital sensors and settings sized for children.
• Choosing the simplest image that answers the question, and using 3D imaging only when a regular X-ray cannot.

Parents often ask how safe dental X-rays are. Our guide on whether dental X-rays are safe for kids answers the most common questions.

Imaging is most useful when it helps us catch problems while they are small. A cavity found early between two teeth can often be treated with a small filling, or even watched and treated with fluoride, instead of needing a larger repair later. Imaging is part of every complete exam and cleaning plan we build for your child.

Digital images are easy to store and share securely. If your child sees an orthodontist, an oral surgeon or another provider, we can send the images they need with your permission, which can help avoid repeat X-rays. Images also make it easier to compare changes over time, such as how an early cavity responds to fluoride or how the permanent teeth are developing. We protect your child's records under federal privacy rules, and you can always ask to review the images with the dentist.

Young children sometimes find the X-ray sensor uncomfortable or gag when it is placed. We use child-sized sensors, show your child the "camera" first and keep each image quick. If a child cannot manage an X-ray at a particular visit, we can try again later or choose a different type of image, so your child never feels forced. Parents can stay close by and help their child hold still.

Blacksburg families are about 15 minutes from our office by US-460. Because digital X-rays appear on screen within seconds, we can review the images with you during the same visit instead of asking you to come back. That keeps appointments shorter for busy families and lets you see exactly what the dentist sees before deciding on any treatment.

From Radford, our office is about 20 minutes away, and families from Dublin and Pulaski usually arrive in 25 to 35 minutes on I-81. If another dentist or orthodontist has already taken X-rays of your child, bring them or ask them to send copies, so we can avoid repeating images your child already has. When imaging is needed, we take it during your child's regular visit whenever possible.

Families from Roanoke City and Roanoke County drive about 40 to 50 minutes up I-81 to see us. If your child needs 3D imaging, for example to check a tooth that is slow to come in, we will explain the reason first and plan the scan around your child's appointment to make the trip efficient.