Digital Radiographs (X-rays) and Imaging

Dental radiographs are invaluable aids in diagnosing, treating, and maintaining dental health. Dr. Van Stralen carefully determines when one or more radiographs need to be taken. Radiographs help detect decay or “cavities” between your teeth, determine bone level, and analyze the health of the bone that supports your teeth. They also are valuable when examining the roots and nerves of teeth, diagnosing lesions such as cysts or tumors, as well as assessing damage when trauma occurs.

Exposure time for dental radiographs is extremely minimal. With digital radiography exposure time is about 50 percent less when compared to traditional radiographs and results in 1/6 the radiation exposure. Digital radiography allows us to store patient information easier and enables us to quickly and easily transfer that information to specialists or insurance companies.

Imaging is accomplished using our inVivo software, we are able to meld a patient’s 35mm photograph to their CT scan. The underlying teeth and bone can then be manipulated to ideal virtually. Then a touch of a button allows us to predict the soft tissue result from such a teeth or boney change. This is especially helpful in recontructions where significant changes are anticipated because it allows us to “try-out” different treatment approaches in advance so that patients have a clear idea of what to expect when treatment is complete.