Digital X-Rays in South Euclid, OH

Digital X-rays provide detailed images of your teeth and supporting oral structures to help our dental team identify concerns that may not be visible during a routine examination. At University Suburban Dental, our dentist uses digital X-rays in South Euclid, Ohio, as a diagnostic and treatment-planning tool when additional information about your oral health is needed.

Call 216-381-6521 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Lexi Plucinsky and learn how digital imaging may be used as part of your dental care.

What Are Digital X-Rays?

Digital X-rays, also called digital radiographs, use electronic sensors to capture images of the teeth, roots, jawbone and surrounding structures. The images can be displayed on a computer soon after they are taken, allowing Dr. Plucinsky to review them as part of your examination.

Digital imaging has largely replaced traditional film-based dental X-rays because it allows images to be captured, viewed and stored electronically.

Why Are Digital X-Rays Used in Dentistry?

A visual examination provides important information about your oral health, but some areas cannot be seen directly. Digital X-rays can give our dentist a closer look at areas between teeth, beneath existing restorations and below the gumline.

Depending on your individual needs, digital X-rays may help identify or evaluate concerns such as:

• Tooth decay, including cavities between teeth
• Problems involving tooth roots
• Changes in the bone supporting the teeth
• Dental infections or abscesses
• Fractured teeth or restorations
• Cysts or other abnormalities
• Developing or unusually positioned teeth
• Areas that may require additional evaluation

Dental X-Rays During Cleanings and Exams

X-rays may be recommended as part of your routine dental cleanings and exams, but they are not necessarily needed at every appointment.

Dr. Plucinsky will consider your dental history, current oral health, symptoms and previous images when deciding whether new X-rays would provide useful diagnostic information.

What Happens When Dental X-Rays Are Taken?

During the X-ray process, a small sensor or imaging device is positioned to capture a specific view of your teeth or jaw. The image is then displayed electronically so our dental team can examine it.

Different types of images may be used depending on what Dr. Plucinsky needs to evaluate. Some X-rays focus on individual teeth or areas between teeth, while others provide a broader view of the mouth and jaw.

Are Dental X-Rays Safe?

X-rays use ionizing radiation, so our team recommends imaging based on each patient’s individual diagnostic needs. Digital technology generally requires less radiation than older film-based dental radiography.

Dr. Plucinsky will determine when X-rays are appropriate based on the information needed to evaluate your oral health and plan treatment.

How Often Do I Need X-Rays?

There is no single X-ray schedule that is appropriate for every patient. How often images are needed can depend on factors such as your age, dental history, risk of tooth decay, existing restorations, symptoms and previous findings.

If recent images already provide the information our dentist needs, additional X-rays may not be necessary at every visit.

Digital X-Rays for Restorative Treatment Planning

Digital imaging can provide valuable information when Dr. Plucinsky is evaluating damaged, painful or heavily restored teeth. The images can help show structures beneath the visible surface and support decisions about appropriate treatment.

Depending on the concern, X-rays may assist with planning treatments such as root canal therapy, dental crowns or other restorative care.

Digital X-Rays for Dental Implant Planning

Dental imaging may also be used when evaluating areas where teeth are missing or planning certain implant-related procedures. Images can provide information about the teeth, roots and surrounding bone that may be relevant to treatment planning.

If you are considering tooth replacement, Dr. Plucinsky can explain what type of imaging may be needed for dental implant placement or dental implant restorations.

Digital Imaging and Other Dental Technology

Digital X-rays are one of the technologies our dental team may use to gather information and plan care more efficiently. Depending on your treatment, other digital tools may also be used to evaluate your teeth or create a more detailed treatment plan.

Learn more about the dental technology available at University Suburban Dental.

Schedule an Appointment in South Euclid, OH

If you are due for a dental examination or have a concern that may require additional diagnostic imaging, our team can determine whether digital X-rays are appropriate for your visit.

Contact our office or call 216-381-6521 to schedule an appointment in South Euclid, Ohio.

Digital X-Rays FAQs