Dental Technology
Greensboro, NC
At Tammy D. Lee, DDS we use leading-edge dental technology to provide you with safe, fast, and effective results!
Intraoral Camera
An intraoral camera is a handheld appliance that is shaped like a wand. The tiny camera at the tip of the appliance takes hundreds of pictures per second to capture an in-depth and accurate image of your mouth. This image is sometimes used to create a digital impression of your teeth and gums. A digital impression is particularly useful for same day dental crowns or regular dental crowns.
 Digital Radiography
It is estimated that 85% of Americans get at least one x-ray during their lifetimes. While we take billions of photos each year, x-rays let us know what is going on inside our bodies. In fact, doctors use x-rays all the time as a diagnostic tool. Dental x-rays are no different. We use them repeatedly to change how we treat a patient. In the past, x-rays were time-consuming for the patient and for us.
We had to wait patiently for days before the film was developed. If there was something that didn't look right on the x-ray, we had to call the patient back in to fix it. Now, however, we have an amazing new tool - digital radiography, or digital x-rays.
What Are They?
You may remember x-rays in the past in our office. You bit down on a film. We took a picture. We repeated that three more times. We then got a semi-clear shot of your teeth, jaw, and gums. We couldn't zoom in to look at anything. We couldn't focus on the problem area.
In the last 10 years, digital x-rays have become a phenomenon. Instead of using small plates and a machine, digital radiography uses a sensor to grab images from your mouth. We take the pictures, and they are ready in seconds. We can store them in your file immediately.
Advantages of Digital Radiography
Digital radiography is amazing. These x-rays images lower patient exposure to radiation by 90%. While there was not much radiation in dental x-rays, to begin with, lower is always better when it comes to radiation. Also, digital radiography means we can view and enlarge parts of the x-ray while you are still sitting in the chair. If we spot a problem area, we don't have to wait to begin treatment. These x-rays are great for you and your mouth. Digital x-rays, which don't require harmful chemicals to process, are also better for the environment.
Why We Do Digital Radiography
We use x-rays all the time as part of our dental practice. They are invaluable as a diagnostic tool. While we can see the surfaces of your mouth, teeth, and gums when we do a dental exam, we can't see everything going on underneath. That's where the x-rays come in. X-rays reveal parts of your teeth we can't see.
Digital radiography allows us to see problems before they happen. We can even begin treatment the same day you come in. For example, you may tell us during the initial exam that you are feeling fine, and you have no problems with your teeth. We may see nothing when we look in your mouth that is a problem. However, an x-ray might reveal a tiny cavity we didn't see, or perhaps a wisdom tooth that has suddenly decided to show up and cause trouble. If we see problems like this, we can get you treated early. This results in less pain and expense for you in the long run.
We're in love with this new technology. If you want to learn more about how digital radiography helps us in our dental practice, give the professionals here at Tammy D. Lee, DDS a call at 336-852-9699 today.
Schedule Your Appointment
If you want the very best in professional dental care call 336-852-9699, and schedule your appointment today! |
