Dental X-Rays

Quick and comfortable X-Ray Technology

At Southwest Family Dentistry, your comfort, safety, and time are our top priorities. Dental X-rays are the most critical diagnostic tool we use, allowing us to see hidden problems beneath the surface—such as decay between teeth, bone loss, and infections—that are invisible to the naked eye. By catching these issues early, we protect your smile and save you from complex, costly treatments down the road.

To make your visit as smooth as possible, our practice uses state-of-the-art hand-held digital X-ray technology. This allows us to take your images right from the comfort of your dental chair, providing the quickest, most comfortable dental X-ray experience possible while reducing radiation exposure compared to traditional film.

Understanding Your X-Rays: FMX vs. BWX

Different dental concerns require different views of your mouth. We primarily use two types of routine X-rays to monitor your health:

Bitewings (BWX): These targeted images focus specifically on the crowns of your upper and lower back teeth. They are excellent for spotting hidden cavities between teeth and tracking early signs of gum disease.

Full Mouth Series (FMX): This is a comprehensive set of images capturing every single tooth from crown to root tip. An FMX gives us a complete baseline view of your entire mouth, jawbone, and root health. For new patients, we prioritize this series or images to ensure a complete evaluation of dental health and comprehensive care.

Advanced Imaging Technology

For comprehensive evaluations and complex treatment planning, we utilize advanced imaging systems:

Panoramic X-rays: This machine rotates around your head to create a single, broad, 2D image of your whole mouth. It shows all your teeth, jaws, sinuses, and jaw joints (TMJ) in one view, which is perfect for evaluating wisdom teeth or checking jaw alignment.

Cone Beam CT (CBCT): This state-of-the-art technology goes beyond traditional flat X-rays by generating highly detailed 3D digital models of your anatomy. It maps out your bone structure, nerve pathways, and soft tissues with pinpoint accuracy, making it indispensable for safe dental implant placement and oral surgeries.