Digital X-rays in Lakewood:
Advanced Imaging for Superior Dental Care
Advanced Digital X-ray Technology
When it comes to providing exceptional dental care, what we can't see matters just as much as what we can. At Balanced Dental Studio in Lakewood, Colorado, we've invested in cutting-edge digital X-ray technology that allows us to see beyond the surface of your teeth and gums with remarkable clarity and precision. Unlike traditional film X-rays, our digital imaging system produces highly detailed images instantly, using up to 90% less radiation. This means we can identify potential issues like hidden decay, bone loss, or developmental abnormalities much earlier, often before they cause pain or require more extensive treatment. For our health-conscious patients in Lakewood who value both preventative care and minimal radiation exposure, our digital X-ray technology represents the perfect balance of safety and diagnostic excellence.
Crystal-Clear Diagnostic Imaging
Digital X-rays have revolutionized how we diagnose and treat dental conditions at our Lakewood practice. These advanced images provide unparalleled clarity that allows us to examine the tiniest details of your oral structures. When you come in for your comprehensive exam, we can immediately capture and display these high-resolution images on our chairside monitors, giving you a firsthand look at your dental health. This visual aid helps you better understand any concerns we identify and the treatments we recommend. The exceptional detail reveals early signs of decay between teeth, infections at the root tips, periodontal disease affecting the jawbone, and even developmental issues that might affect breathing and sleep quality. For our patients concerned about their children's oral development, these images provide crucial insights into growth patterns and potential airway issues that might otherwise go undetected.
Safer, Faster, and More Comfortable
What truly sets our digital X-ray technology apart is the remarkable balance of benefits it provides for our Lakewood patients. The significantly reduced radiation exposure—up to 90% less than traditional film X-rays—brings peace of mind to our health-conscious families. The imaging process itself is much more comfortable, using smaller, smoother sensors that fit more easily in your mouth. And unlike traditional X-rays that required chemical processing and waiting time, our digital images appear instantly on screen, eliminating delays and allowing us to discuss findings with you immediately. These images become part of your permanent digital record, making it simple to track changes over time or share information with specialists if needed. This technology also supports our whole-health approach to dentistry by helping us identify potential connections between your oral health and systemic conditions, addressing both immediate concerns and long-term wellness goals.
Did you know that 12% of the population has never had a cavity?! They’re the lucky ones!
What Are the Stages of a Cavity?
Is it possible to reverse a cavity and refrain from visiting your Lakewood dentist?
Reverse a cavity? Potentially. Refrain from visiting the dentist? Probably not the best plan of action. There are five stages of cavities, starting with the development of white spots and ending with a full-blown tooth decay. Catching tooth decay early on is the best way to prevent further damage and to restore the tooth to its natural condition as soon as possible. Here are the five stages:
White spots develop the tooth, indicating demineralization of the enamel. Quick action can allow you to reverse this damage. Here are some things that will help at this stage (as this is the stage where cavities can be reversed).
There’s a hole in the surface. If caught early enough, in most cases we can save the tooth.
There is a visible discoloration on the tooth and the cavity starts to involve the dentin layer – ouch! You should go see a dentist as soon as possible to avoid a root canal and save the tooth with a dental inlay or onlay.
The cavity reaches the pulp with an infection. Since it’s reached the nerves and blood vessels, this is a very painful stage. This usually calls for a root canal with a crown.
The infection has gone through the tooth and is in the tissue and bone around the root of the tooth. In most cases, the gums are swollen and it is extremely painful. It’s also extremely dangerous. If a cavity reaches this point, it can affect the whole body and in some cases prove to be fatal. This stage calls for a tooth extraction.
Signs a Cavity Is About to Form
Other than through digital cavity detecting radiology, here are the common signs a cavity is about to appear.
Cavities form because of plaque left on the tooth. The plaque breaks down the tooth’s enamel, which causes tooth decay. Typically a cavity is not extremely noticeable until the tooth decay starts. However, there are a few signs to look out for in the early stages of its development, such as:
- Tooth sensitivity or pain when eating and drinking – this is a sign that your outer layer of enamel is wearing down.
- Discoloration or tiny white spots – A tiny spot on your tooth that appears white, brown, or black could be a cavity forming. These spots are a sign of demineralization of the outer layer of your tooth.
- Bad breath – Consistent bad breath is a sign of food particles trapped in the teeth (or mouth breathing), which might mean plaque is building up somewhere without you knowing it.
Keep up to date with your routine dental exams, as our digital cavity detecting radiology in Lakewood, CO will help identify cavities before they become too troublesome.
Take Care of Those Teeth!
Here’s how to keep them healthy.
Brush Your Teeth Twice a Day
Even on the sleepiest of evenings when you can’t wait to lay your head on your pillow, brushing your teeth is a must. It can be easy to skip this step, but it is the best way to get rid of the germs and plaque that build up on your teeth all day long.
Use the Right Brushing Technique
- Place your toothbrush at a 45-degree angel to the gums
- Gently move the brush back and forth in short (tooth-wide) strokes.
- Brush the outer surfaces, the inner surfaces, and the chewing surfaces of the theeth.
- To clean the inside surfaces of the front teeth, tilt the brush vertically and make several up-and-down strokes.
- Remind yourself to not brush too hard!
Brush Your Tongue
Brush your tongue when brushing your teeth. Some toothbrushes actually have a rough back designed for tongue brushing. However, you can also gently brush your tongue with the bristles.
Use Hydroxyapatite Toothpaste
Try to get a toothpaste that contains hydroxyapatite! These substances act as an agent to reduce your teeth’s demineralization process. They help the enamel stay strong and resist breaking down. If you’re at a loss for which to pick, look for the ADA seal of acceptance to ensure you’re getting the best toothpaste for your teeth, or ask your Lakewood dentist!
Don't Forget to Floss Once a Day
Your toothbrush can’t reach between your teeth, so flossing is a must to remove debris. It also stimulates your gums and keeps them healthy while reducing plaque buildup. Flossing just once a day will greatly improve your oral health regime and help you take care of your teeth.
Breathe Through the Nose
Breathing through your nose is a MAJOR way to prevent tooth decay! When we breathe through our nose, we warm and humidify the air we are breathing, as well as disinfect it. When we breathe through our mouths, we dehydrate our mouths, lead to more plaque buildup, and change the acidity of the mouth. If you can’t breathe through your nose, that is a red flag that there is something going on with your breathing patterns, jaw structure, or nasal structure. Not being able to breathe through your nose warrants further evaluation, not just for your teeth health, but for your whole body health! Sometimes this is as simple as strengthening the muscles of the lips and tongue. This is called myofunctional therapy, and we see many health improvements by using it!
Drink Lots of Water
Keeping your mouth moist helps wash away debris, sugars, and acidic foods between brushings. Water has many health benefits and should always be the drink of choice throughout the day.
See Your Dentist Twice a Year
Last but not least, to take care of your teeth, be sure to visit your dental clinic in Lakewood, CO for a dental cleaning twice a year, or as recommended for your specific needs. This will help your dentist keep an eye on your dental health while also providing professional cleanings to remove plaque.
Schedule Today
Experience the difference that advanced digital X-ray technology can make in your dental care. Call our Lakewood office today to schedule your comprehensive exam with digital imaging. Our team at Balanced Dental Studio is ready to provide you with safer, more accurate diagnostics that support your journey to optimal oral and overall health.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I get dental X-rays?
For most adults with good oral health, digital X-rays are recommended once a year, though this varies based on your specific dental history and risk factors. Children and patients with periodontal disease or a history of extensive dental work may need them more frequently. At our Lakewood practice, we customize the frequency based on your individual needs, ensuring you receive necessary diagnostics without unnecessary exposure.
Are digital X-rays safe during pregnancy?
Digital X-rays use minimal radiation (up to 90% less than traditional X-rays), making them much safer overall. However, at our Lakewood dental office, we generally recommend postponing non-emergency X-rays during pregnancy, especially during the first trimester. For urgent dental issues during pregnancy, we use additional protective measures and limit imaging to what's absolutely necessary.
Can digital X-rays detect issues that regular exams miss?
Absolutely. Digital X-rays reveal numerous conditions invisible to the naked eye, including decay between teeth, infections beneath the gumline, bone loss, impacted teeth, and abnormalities in tooth roots. Our Lakewood dental team uses these detailed images to detect problems in their earliest stages, often before they cause symptoms or require more extensive treatment.
Do dental insurance plans cover digital X-rays?
Most dental insurance plans cover preventive digital X-rays as part of routine care, typically at 80-100% coverage once per year. At our Lakewood practice, we verify your benefits before your appointment and explain any potential out-of-pocket costs. For patients without insurance, our membership plans include necessary X-rays as part of your preventive care package.
How do digital X-rays help with sleep and breathing issues?
Digital X-rays, particularly 3D imaging, help us evaluate airway structures and identify potential obstructions that may contribute to breathing difficulties and sleep disorders. For many of our Lakewood patients concerned about sleep quality, these images provide critical insights into anatomical factors affecting breathing patterns, guiding our approach to holistic treatment options.
What's the difference between digital X-rays and 3D imaging (CBCT)?
While both are digital technologies, standard digital X-rays provide two-dimensional images of teeth and supporting structures, whereas 3D imaging (CBCT) creates detailed three-dimensional views of your entire oral and maxillofacial region. At our Lakewood dental practice, we use both technologies as appropriate—digital X-rays for routine diagnostics and 3D imaging for more complex cases involving implants, airway assessment, or TMJ disorders.
Schedule An
Appointment
Are you ready to smile more, breathe freely, and live better?
We are, too! Give us a call or complete the form to schedule an appointment! We'd love to sit down and discuss how you can achieve better oral health and a beautiful, healthy smile!
Please call 303.989.3192 or use the form to request to schedule an appointment. The Balanced Dental Studio Team will then call you to confirm a date and time.
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