Don’t Call Them X-Rays: What You Need To Know About 3D Dental Imaging

Dental anxiety is real. For many people, one of the most stressful parts of a trip to the dentist are the x-rays! You probably remember biting down on hard and uncomfortable bits of plastic and holding your head just so. Then you had to hope the x-ray came out right or else you’d have to do it all over again.

We know it can be frustrating and annoying.

That’s why at Timberhill Dental we’ve invested in 3D dental imaging technology. They’re not x-rays, they’re better! In today’s post, we’ll talk more about the advantages of 3D dental images and why our patients (and our staff) love them.

More comfortable for you

We use Sirona 3D imaging technology. Compared to old-fashioned x-rays the difference is like day and night. With the Sirona system, there’s no uncomfortable plastic to bite down on. In just a few seconds, the system takes thousands of high-definition images.

Afterwards, amazing computer software stitches these images together to create a 3D representation of your mouth and teeth.

Lower radiation

Some people think radiation is a scary word. But even traditional dental x-rays are incredibly safe. The amount of radiation you’d get from a full set of dental x-rays is about what you’d get from a short trip on a plane. But the radiation used to create 3D dental images is even lower.

Sharper images

If you’ve ever looked at an x-ray you know they aren’t crystal clear. They’re blurry and can be hard to decipher, even for experienced practitioners! That’s why x-rays often need to be retaken to make sure the image is clear enough to see everything.

But 3D dental images are amazingly clear. We can see possible issues like cavities, decay, and damage to the jaw bone in high-definition. We can be more confident in our diagnosis and treatment plans.

More versatile and more useful

Because a lot of the work is done by computers, our dental images are more flexible. Not only can we create a 3D image of your teeth, we can also create what look like traditional panoramic 2D images. Dr. Black can compare these to more traditional x-rays or to get more insight into what’s happening in your mouth.

And because they’re higher-resolution, 3D images can be used in more ways. At Timberhill Dental, Dr. Black uses 3D dental imaging to:

• Help identify the cause of TMJ pain and figure out the best way to treat it
• Visualize your airway and diagnose sleep apnea
• Place implants with precision that just wasn’t possible in the past
• 3D dental images can reveal bone cancer — early detection is key
• Spot small fractures and cracks in teeth that aren’t visible on blurry x-rays

Gives you confidence in your care

When you’re more aware of your health, you’ll feel more empowered and confident in the care you’re receiving. By showing you a crystal-clear 3D image of your mouth, Dr. Black can explain what he’s seeing. You’ll have a better understanding of what’s going on in your mouth and can make an informed decision about your treatment plan.

Experience the future of dentistry today at Timberhill Dentistry

Want to see the difference 3D dental imaging technology makes for yourself? Schedule your appointment at Timberhill Dental today. You’ll be less anxious during your appointment and leave feeling more confident about your health.

Dr. Black is committed to dental technology that can help you

Timberhill Dental’s investment in proven dental technologies doesn’t stop at our 3D imaging equipment. Our patients also benefit from:

• DIAGNOdent® early cavity detection – In just seconds, Dr. Black can spot the tiniest cavities and you won’t feel a thing. A laser is shined on your teeth and reflects back light. Cavities affect how much light is reflected and the DIAGNOdent® lets Dr. Black know when a problematic area is detected.
• VELscope® oral cancer screening – Nearly 53,000 people are diagnosed with oral cancer every year. When detected early there are many effective treatment options. The VELscope® is 100% non-invasive and can spot cancerous and precancerous tissue on the soft tissue in your mouth. It takes less than 2 minutes and is included in your dental exam completely free of charge.
• CEREC® single visit restorations – Crowns, veneers, onlays, and restorations used to be a multi-step process including multiple trips to the dentist and uncomfortable goopy impressions. Not anymore! With the CEREC® system, Dr. Black can make a 3D model of your tooth and craft a perfect restoration in just minutes. You’ll leave with a brand new porcelain restoration. There’s no need for a goopy impression, temporary crown, or follow-up appointment.