Your Lethbridge Invisalign® Provider
Dental Exams and x-rays can help identify any oral diseases.
Dental Exams
A comprehensive dental exam will be performed by our dental team at your initial visit. During regular check-up exams, your dentist and hygienist will include the following:
- Examination of diagnostic x-rays – Essential for detection of decay, tumors, cysts and bone loss. X-rays also help determine tooth and root positions (not taken at every appointment).
- Oral cancer screening – Checking the face, neck, lips, tongue, throat, tissue and gums for any signs of oral cancer.
- Gum disease evaluation – checking the gums and bone around the teeth for any signs of periodontal disease.
- Examination of tooth decay – All tooth surfaces will be checked for decay with dental instruments.
- Examination of existing restorations – Check current fillings, crowns, bridges, etc.
- Examination of your bite position – Checking whether your bite position is unhealthy and contributing to tooth wear, joint and muscle problems, and/or headaches.
Dental X-Rays
What are digital x-rays?
Digital x-rays capture and store digital images on a computer. These images can be instantly viewed, helping the dentist and hygienist detect risks before they become significant problems.
What are panoramic x-rays?
The panoramic x-ray gives a broad overview of the entire mouth. This x-ray supplies information about the teeth, upper and lower jawbone, sinuses and other hard and soft tissues of the head and neck.
Are dental x-rays necessary?
Dental x-rays are essential, preventative, diagnostic tools that provide valuable information. Our dentists use this information to safely and accurately detect hidden dental abnormalities, and recommend an accurate treatment plan. Without x-rays, problem areas may go undetected.
Dental X-rays can help detect
- Abcesses or cysts
- Bone loss
- Cancerous and non-cancerous tumours
- Decay between the teeth
- Developmental abnormalities
- Poor tooth and root positions
- Problems inside a tooth or below the gum line
What is 3-D cone beam imaging?
We use this technology to create three dimensional views of the face, neck and teeth, allowing us to diagnose and visualize our patient's teeth, bone and soft tissue in more depth.
With a single 13-second scan, we can quickly see computer-generated views from any angle in 3D and in colour! Our 3-D cone beam imaging can help provide our team with information to help detect diseases before they become a problem.