Defining Dental Diagnostics

Diagnosing dental conditions is an important part of the preventive dentistry we provide at our Encinitas dental office. Our goal is to stop dental conditions in their tracks by detecting them as quickly as possible using the latest in diagnostic technology.

Diagnostic services include both dental x-rays and intraoral camera images. Of course, diagnosis goes further than that because it also includes dental exams and periodontal exams, which requires the expertise and training of a dentist. Not everything is detectable with the naked eye, so we use a few tools to help us give you better care.

Dental X-Rays

At our Encinitas dental office, we use digital dental x-rays for a couple of main reasons:

• They are safe – Digital dental x-rays emit significantly less radiation.
• They are accurate – Digital dental x-rays produce high-resolution images that Dr. Jordan can zoom in, adjust contrast, and even adjust exposure to get the best view of your teeth.
• They are green – We eliminate the need for chemicals to develop the old film-style dental x-rays, which is better for our environment and gives us instant results.

Dental x-rays detect decay, infection, cysts, tumors, and bone loss. The type of x-ray we take will depend on your needs.

• Bitewing x-rays – These are the cavity-detecting x-rays.
• Periapical x-rays – These take a picture of the whole tooth from the root tip to the crown. These help us identify infection, fractured roots, and bone levels.
• Panoramic x-ray – This is an x-ray that captures images of your bone, jaw, joints, and teeth. This gives an accurate “big picture” view of your teeth and is beneficial in evaluating wisdom teeth, dental implant planning, and for looking at the shape of jaw joints.

Intraoral Camera

An intraoral camera is a handheld digital device that allows us to take a picture of single teeth. We can use these images to identify cracks in teeth and to show you exactly what we see.

Dentist in Encinitas, CA

If you are looking for an Encinitas dentist with an emphasis on overall oral health, we welcome you to contact us. We always welcome new patients.