At NIHS Clinic, our Dental Imaging services provide crucial insights into your oral health, helping diagnose and monitor a wide range of dental and jaw-related conditions. Using advanced imaging techniques, we can evaluate the health of teeth, gums, and supporting structures, ensuring you receive precise and effective dental care. These procedures are safe, non-invasive, and offer detailed images to assist in the accurate diagnosis and treatment planning for various dental conditions.
Why is Dental Imaging Performed?
Dental Imaging provides valuable, detailed information about the mouth, teeth, and jaw, essential for diagnosing oral health conditions and planning treatments. At NIHS Clinic, Dental Imaging is typically performed for these purposes:
Diagnosis of Tooth Decay and Cavities
- Purpose: Identifies areas of decay or cavities that may not be visible during a routine dental exam.
- Who Needs It: Patients experiencing toothache, sensitivity, or visible signs of decay.
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Evaluation of Gum and Bone Health
- Purpose: Examines bone density and gum health to detect signs of gum disease or bone loss around the teeth.
- Who Needs It: Individuals with symptoms of gum disease, such as bleeding gums, bad breath, or gum recession.
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Detection of Oral Infections or Abscesses
- Purpose: Locates infections, abscesses, or impacted teeth, which may require treatment to prevent further complications.
- Who Needs It: Patients experiencing pain, swelling, or signs of infection around teeth or gums.
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Assessment of Tooth and Jaw Alignment
- Purpose: Evaluates tooth alignment and jaw structure to assist in orthodontic treatment planning.
- Who Needs It: Individuals considering braces, aligners, or other orthodontic treatments to improve alignment and bite.
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Types of Dental Imaging Tests Offered at NIHS Clinic :
Bitewing X-Rays
- Purpose: Provides detailed images of the upper and lower back teeth to help detect cavities and bone loss.
- Uses: Commonly used to diagnose tooth decay, assess bone health, and monitor gum disease progression.
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Panoramic X-Rays
- Purpose: Offers a full view of the entire mouth, including teeth, jaw, and sinuses.
- Uses: Useful for assessing jaw development, detecting impacted teeth, planning extractions, and diagnosing complex conditions.
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Cone Beam CT Scans (CBCT)
- Purpose: Produces 3D images of the teeth, jawbone, and surrounding soft tissues for in-depth analysis.
- Uses: Ideal for planning advanced procedures like dental implants, root canals, and reconstructive surgery.
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Preparation for Dental Imaging:
General Preparation:
- Clothing: Wear comfortable clothing. Patients may be asked to remove any metal items, such as jewelry, that could interfere with imaging.
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- Medications: Generally, there are no restrictions on medications for dental imaging, but let the clinic know if you’re taking any medication.
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- Dietary Restrictions: No specific dietary restrictions are needed for most dental imaging tests.
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Procedure Details:
Process:
- Image Capture: Depending on the imaging type, the patient may be seated or asked to bite down on a positioning tool for the X-ray or scan. The imaging device will be positioned accordingly.
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- Duration: Dental imaging tests are generally quick, often taking only a few minutes.
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Safety and Risks:
- Safety: Dental imaging is safe and involves minimal radiation exposure, with levels well within safety standards. Lead aprons may be used for additional protection, especially for pregnant patients.
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- Risks: Radiation exposure is minimal. However, the use of protective measures, such as lead aprons, is routine to ensure patient safety.
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Post-Procedure:
Recovery:
Dental imaging is non-invasive, so there is no recovery time needed. Patients can continue with their normal routine immediately after the imaging test.
Results:
A dentist will review the images, discuss findings with the patient, and recommend any necessary treatment or preventive care steps.
Benefits of Dental Imaging at NIHS Clinic:
- Detailed Oral Health Assessment: Dental imaging provides a thorough view of your teeth, gums, and jaw, enabling early detection of issues.
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- Non-Invasive and Comfortable: Imaging is non-invasive, making it a comfortable option for patients of all ages.
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- Precise Diagnosis and Treatment Planning: With high-quality imaging, we can plan treatments more accurately, ensuring optimal outcomes for procedures like fillings, root canals, and orthodontics.
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- State-of-the-Art Technology: NIHS Clinic uses advanced imaging equipment, allowing us to capture clear, precise images for accurate diagnostics and planning.
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Trust NIHS Clinic for expert dental imaging services that support comprehensive oral health care. Contact us to schedule your dental imaging test and take the next step toward a healthier, brighter smile.