Low Dose X-Rays

Dr. Williams’ office uses low dose x-rays for all procedures. This takes the form of the speed of the film, the new digital computerized process, and the “surround sound” panorex film.

First is an Ultra Speed film used for the fastest, lowest dose required for fabulous X-Ray imaging for detecting cavities when silver oxide film is used.

Second is the Digital X-ray unit called RVG (radiovisography). This unit takes digital information from a special sensor and lets us customize it on the computer screen. It takes only 10% of the radiation to make one of these fine pictures over conventional techniques.

Third, by utilizing Panorex Low Dose Radiation technology, Dr.Williams can get the X-Rays required of the jaw, sinuses, TMJ’s, and teeth , especially the wisdom teeth, in one picture taken from outside the mouth, often eliminating the need for multiple exposures to radiation.

Fourth, we now have hospital-grade x-ray capability to take TOMOGRAPHIC films which allow is to take a number of “slices” of the TMJ to study the joint more effectively.

New Wave X-Rays

The latest videos will be turning up not on MTV, but at the dental office of the future. Radiovisiography (RVG) is the latest development in computer-assisted x-ray technology. Instead of using the traditional silver-oxide x-ray film that must be developed and then fixed in caustic and environmentally damaging solutions, the new system takes pictures via a small electronic sensor.

It then instantaneously transmits a picture of the tooth onto the dentist’s video monitor. Therefore, your dentist can see the problem immediately. Not only does RVG eliminate the usual wait for x-ray film to be processed, but it also is highly sensitive, so that patients are exposed to even less radiation than with conventional x-rays.

Estimates are that a person will receive 90% less radiation using this method. Hence, the term LOW-DOSE X-RAYS is used for this advancement in technology. Once the image is presented on the screen, the dentist can adjust the contrast or magnify specific areas to enhance visibility and help diagnosis.

Who would have imagined Technicolor x-rays for diagnosing cavities a decade ago?

Experts predict that in the near future the RVG system will be used by the majority of dentists. Its called the leading edge of dentistry and you benefit most of all.

Year 2000 update to the above article:

In April, 2000, after our move to our new facility, we upgraded from our first digital x-ray system to the new Dexis Digital X-ray system. This new technology adds further benefits for our patients. We can detect cavities far better than with the old system…sooner and smaller than ever before. That means that we can correct them sooner and easier for you, before they weaken tooth seriously.