Dental Scans Vs. X-Rays: Understanding the Difference

With all of the technology available, it’s easy for patients to get confused about what procedures are being ordered, how they’re being conducted, and what it’s all for. If you’re curious about scans and X-rays, it all comes down to what kind of dental practice you’re visiting and what conditions you have.

How X-Rays Work

X-rays use radiation to show the internal structure of the body. In the case of a dental image, that includes the jaw, oral cavity, and tooth structure. X-rays work well for the vast majority of dental procedures. The images represented can reveal anything from gum disease to cavities. In addition to showing teeth in sections, dentists can also use panoramic X-rays, which can help them quickly assess oral health trends that you may be experiencing.

How Scans Work

A dental CT scan is the most common exam for a dentist to schedule, and it’s usually done for those who need dental implants in Turlock, CA. This special type of X-ray equipment will show a 3D image of everything from nerve pathways to soft tissues within your mouth. The added definition can help dentists thoroughly evaluate you, so there are no questions about what to do next.

Find a Dentist in Turlock, CA

Dental practices may all make the same promises, but the truth is that services and results can vary greatly between them. There is so much available technology out there that it’s not as easy as learning a few basic facts about X-rays and scans. That’s why it’s so important for you to find a staff that can both choose the right machinery and use it as effectively as possible.

If you’re looking for a dentist in Turlock, CA who has done their homework about what kind of equipment they’re using and whether it will make a difference to their patients, contact Progressive Health Dental to schedule an appointment.