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A dentist can tell a whole lot about your oral health through a visual exam, such as signs of decay, gum disease, oral lesions, and signs of infection. But with their more integrative perspective, a biological dentist can see even more.
The tongue’s appearance, for instance, can reveal potential imbalances in digestive health, immune function, or nutritional status. Inflammation patterns in the gum tissue can also be telling. Tooth wear, tongue scalloping, and other use patterns can point toward a variety of issues, from chronic stress to sleep apnea.
Still, as much information as we can get through a simple visual exam, much can be missed without the help of x-rays.
Only x-rays allow us to see below the surface. They’re the only way we can detect issues such as cavities between the teeth, bone loss, impacted teeth, and root infections. Without them, we only have a partial understanding of your current oral health. Without them, we can’t properly diagnose any problems you may be having, let alone develop treatment plans to address them.
And these days, they’re even more valuable thanks to the development of three-dimensional cone beam computed tomography (CBCT).
Where standard x-rays give us flat views of the teeth, gums, and bone, CBCT delivers incredibly sharp and detailed 3D images that let us view precise anatomical structures from multiple angles – and, importantly, in relationship to each other. They let us examine dental structures with unprecedented depth and clarity.
The result? More accurate diagnoses and more precise surgical planning.
CBCT is especially valuable in biological dentistry, as it gives us an easier way to clearly identify hidden areas of infection, such as osteonecrotic lesions (“cavitations”), areas of dying tissue that can develop after extractions or other trauma, as well as compromised root canal teeth. Both conditions can impact whole body health in a variety of ways as the infections – and byproducts of the bacteria and other pathogens driving them – migrate from the mouth to other areas of the body.
Of course, 3D x-rays are just as valuable in addressing more conventional needs, such as the optimal placement of zirconia dental implants, correcting malocclusions (bad bites), addressing TMJ disorders (TMD), and all manner of oral surgeries.
Without 3D cone beam technology, we simply could not provide the high quality precision dentistry we offer. It’s a tool that’s allowed our dentists to take their clinical expertise to the next level.
Still, we understand that holistically-minded patients are wary about the exposure to radiation that any kind of x-ray technology involves – and understandably so. We live in a world in which we’re constantly surrounded by all sorts of electromagnetic energy emanating from our appliances, computers, mobile devices, and more. It’s rational to want to reduce any unnecessary exposures.
But x-rays are necessary. Without them, we’re unable to provide any services at all.
That’s why we make every effort to keep your exposure to a minimum, starting with the fact that we only take x-rays and CBCT scans when we have to, such as when you first come to us as a patient or when it’s necessary to diagnose a problem or to monitor conditions after procedures like LANAP. We never take them “routinely.”
When we do take images here at the Holistic Dental Center of New Jersey, it’s always digitally. Digital x-rays, including CBCT, use just a fraction of the radiation that conventional film x-rays do – up to 90% less, in fact.
Even while providing much more detailed images, CBCT still uses a remarkably low dose of radiation. A full mouth CBCT scan delivers approximately the same degree of exposure as a single cross-country airplane flight, making it a safe and invaluable diagnostic tool.
And we’ve made it even safer by investing in one of the best CBCT units available today, Carestream’s CS 81003D. Not only does it capture ultra-high resolution images; its low-dose mode lets us get razor-sharp images at the same or lower dose as a standard panoramic x-ray. It’s one of the absolute safest options available.
For at the Holistic Dental Center of New Jersey, we don’t just invest in advanced technology – we invest in peace of mind. Every decision about our imaging practices, from choosing the safest equipment to determining when scans are truly necessary, reflects our fundamental promise: to protect and support your health while providing the exceptional care you deserve.
