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Digital X-Rays
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Digital X-Rays in New Orleans

One of the most significant advantages of dental technology is how it impacts the patient experience. Digital x-rays, for example, are not only safer for patients because there is less exposure to radiation, but they are also much more efficient than traditional x-rays.

dental x-rays | new orleans Dental technology also improves the ability of your dentist to make earlier and more accurate diagnoses. When issues are spotted while they are still small, treatment tends to be less invasive and less expensive.

At Downtown Dental, Dr. Richard Rathke proudly utilizes the most current dental technology to ensure your time with us is more comfortable, more efficient, and more accurate. Digital x-rays are just one way we can provide this. For most of our patients, we recommend that a full set of x-rays be taken at least once each year.

Types of Digital X-Rays at Downtown Dental

The two main types of digital x-rays are intraoral and extraoral.

Intraoral, which are taken inside the mouth, provide the highest level of detail. Intraoral are the most common type of x-ray because they enable your dentist to find cavities, examine the tooth roots, detect periodontal disease, and monitor the health of teeth and bony areas of the mouth.

The Safety of Digital X-Rays

Many people have concerns about the safety of digital x-rays, but radiation exposure is low. In fact, you will likely encounter more exposure to radiation by walking outside on a sunny day. The benefits of digital x-rays far outweigh the risks.

To be on the safe side, however, if you suspect or know you are pregnant, be sure to mention this to your dentist. Depending on the situation, it might be best to put off x-rays.

The Efficiency of Digital X-Rays in New Orleans

Digital x-rays are faster than traditional x-rays, so you can be in and out of the dental chair much more quickly. Digital x-rays are not unlike snapping a photograph with your phone, then uploading it directly to a computer. Making copies of your x-ray to send to insurance companies or specialists is also a snap, so you are less likely to have to wait for needed treatment.

digital x-rays | new orleans Your dentist can also see more of your mouth with a digital x-ray. The tiniest developing problem that cannot be seen with the naked eye can be identified with a digital x-ray. Without x-rays, however, small dental issues can quickly become big ones that need more extensive—and more expensive—treatment.

The Flexibility of Digital X-Rays at Downtown Dental

Traditional x-rays lack the flexibility of today’s digital radiographs. Your dentist can easily enlarge a shot to see it in great detail. Patients can also view digital x-rays at the chairside computer monitor, making it easier to make educated decisions about recommended treatment.

Call Downtown Dental today and enjoy the safe efficiency of digital radiographs at your next appointment!

Frequently Asked Questions

Getting periodic x-rays and imaging taken is all part of a comprehensive approach to preventivewoman in yellow top smiling l x-rays new orleans dentistry. Yet, some people still worry about their health and safety when it comes to being exposed to x-ray machines. 

Dental technology has come a long way in recent decades, and the digital x-rays dentists rely on today are a far cry from the basic dental imaging of years past. Thanks to advances in technology and a better understanding of how to safely obtain x-rays, getting your digital radiographs taken during your six-month dental checkups is extremely safe. 

What Do Digital X-Rays Do?

Our digital x-rays in New Orleans help us catch and diagnose oral health problems early on before becoming large or dangerous. These digital images emit far less radiation than traditional x-rays. They have exposure levels that are considered minimal and comparable to the daily radiation an average person would be exposed to from other sources, such as the sun and household appliances. 

Learn More By Calling Downtown Dental

Unless you are a high-risk patient with pre-existing dental conditions, you will not need digital x-rays taken every time you visit your dentist's office in New Orleans. For most patients, having new bitewing x-rays taken once per year and full-mouth x-rays taken once every few years is sufficient. Call Downtown Dental today to book your next dental appointment with us!

Meet Our Doctor:

Dr. Richard Rathke, New Orleans Dentist

Dr. Richard Rathke DDS

Dr. Richard M. Rathke, Jr., grew up in Lacombe, Louisiana, and attended Slidell High School. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Louisiana State University (2006) and a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from LSU School of Dentistry (2012). Dr. Rathke takes pride in providing dental services as he would for himself and his family while ensuring that every patient is comfortable throughout the procedure. 

Some of the continuing education courses Dr. Rathke has taken include the following:

  • Sports Dentistry Trauma
  • Advanced Dentoalveolar Surgery for the General Practitioner
  • Maxillary Implant Prosthetics
  • Insights into Prosthodontic ...

Featured Blog Posts - Digital X-Rays

November 8, 2024

Are Digital Dental X-Rays Safe for Children and Pregnant Women?

healthy smiles of a family in New Orleans

If a picture’s worth a thousand words, dental digital x-rays are all that, plus some extra time and money!

Digital dental x-rays are essential in modern preventive dentistry, helping detect oral health issues in their early stages. However, parents and pregnant women often worry about their safety. Fortunately, modern technology facilitates these precise diagnoses through lower radiation x-rays for kids and pregnant women (and everyone else!)!

Why Digital X-Rays Are Safer

Digital x-rays use up to 80 percent less radiation than traditional ones. Since their digital sensors are more sensitive, they require ...

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