X-rays

Radiography was discovered in 1895 by a German scientist named Wilhelm Röntgen, and the field of medicine quickly embraced this diagnostic tool. By the 1950s, dental X-rays had become an essential part of preventive dental care and restorative treatment in this country. Today, Dr. Justin Cress use modern X-ray technologies to help patients in the Twin Falls, Jerome, Kimberly, Buhl, and Hailey area enjoy good oral health.

X-ray basics

Dr. Cress use X-ray images to detect changes in hard and soft tissues of your mouth that could indicate problems. Identifying such a situation early spares you discomfort, inconvenience, and expense. Therefore, the dentist may suggest periodic X-rays, even if you are not experiencing obvious dental problems. X-ray images are also essential in planning treatment.

You know X-rays are used to find the existence and extent of tooth decay. You might be surprised, however, to learn that intraoral X-rays (taken inside the mouth) can also show:

• Tooth decay hidden beneath existing dental work.
• Oral cysts – sacs at the roots of teeth filled with fluid.
• Hard and soft tissue tumors; both benign and cancerous.
• Condition of tooth roots and bone around teeth.
• Oral development – teeth that have not yet emerged and growth of jawbone.
• Impacted teeth, not properly positioned to come through bone and gum tissue.

Twin Falls patients have access to current types of dental X-rays

A digital dental X-ray emits about 90 percent less radiation than traditional film methods and requires no harsh chemical processing. High resolution, 2D images are available almost instantly. They can be viewed and enhanced on a computer monitor, and easily shared with your other healthcare providers or insurance company. Digital instruments can be used to diagnose a single tooth, or for a full mouth X-ray.

Sometimes called a 3D dental X-ray, cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans the mouth to create three-dimensional images. This type of picture, which shows depth of structures and layers, is beneficial in precise treatment planning such as placing dental implants.

We are proud of these on-site technologies because they represent our commitment to providing the best possible treatment to our patients. Call (208) 544-4848 to schedule a visit to Justin C. Cress, DDS.