X-rays in Houston, TX

Founding and Accredited Member of the AACD (American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry), Dr. Guy Lewis and his team at the Texas Center for Cosmetic Dentistry use digital X-rays to see a comprehensive view to a patient’s oral health. In The Woodlands, TX we provide our patients with digital X-rays, also known as digital radiographs, which allow our team to see beyond the surface of the teeth and gums. With digital imaging, Dr. Lewis can see exactly why your tooth hurts and more. X-rays in our dental office can show the inner parts of the tooth, soft tissues and bone structure. We can look for cavities, abscesses, tooth damage (cracks inside the tooth), cysts, decay, bone loss, and much more. Here are the types of X-rays we use at TCCD:

Bitewing X-ray: The bitewing X-ray can capture your cavities and bone loss most effectively of all the other types of X-rays. It is a close-up imaging of the area of your mouth where the teeth touch. You may need a bitetine X-ray once a year or if a problem occurs (a painful cavity or a chipped tooth). If you have a questionable dental restoration, such as a crown or filling, we can use the bitewing X-ray to see if it needs replaced.

Panoramic Radiographs: This is a 2D X-ray that captures your entire mouth (teeth, upper and lower jaws, surrounding bone structures, and soft tissues. You may need a panoramic view of your mouth when the dentist may be diagnosing a problem with your wisdom teeth, an abnormal jaw structure, or a nasal cavity deviation.

Periapical X-ray (PA): These X-rays are useful in finding dental problems in a specific area below the gum line or in the jaw, such as impacted teeth, abscesses, and bone changes liked to some diseases.

Full Mouth Series (FMS): This series of X-rays provides our dentist with a comprehensive view of your teeth and bone structure. We provide a FMS to new patients as it gives an overview of your oral health in images.

Digital X-rays usually take about 5 – 10 minutes to complete with very little discomfort to the patient. Once the teeth are cleaned and polished, the dental hygienist or assistant will take the needed X-rays with the digital equipment and upload it to the computer where the dentist and patient can discuss any areas of concerns during the dental examination.

Digital X-rays are almost instantly viewable on the computer by the dentist and patient. The dentist can assess the current images and compare them to past X-rays to see if problems are developing. The dentist will go over any concerns found on the X-rays with the patient and discuss measures to prevent further problems or treat existing conditions.

While digital X-rays use much less radiation than traditional X-rays, patients are still protected with a lead apron. Patients who are pregnant or breastfeeding should tell the dentist at the beginning of the appointment so extra precautions can be used.

Most patients will have a series of digital X-rays taken, including periapical views to show the entire length of the tooth, bite-wing images of the lower and upper back teeth, a panoramic view of the entire teeth, jaws, and sinuses, and some patients may need a view of the bite, known as the occlusal view.

Digital X-rays during your annual dental exam at Texas Center for Cosmetic Dentistry can help you and your doctor improve your oral health. For more information on digital X-rays or to schedule your dental exam, call or email our office in The Woodlands.