Dental Scans Vs. X-Rays: Understanding the Difference

With all of the technology available, it’s easy for patients to get confused about what procedures are being ordered, how they’re being conducted, and what it’s all for. If you’re curious about scans and X-rays, it all comes down to what kind of dental practice you’re visiting and what conditions you have.

How X-Rays Work

X-rays use radiation to show the internal structure of the body. In the case of a dental image, that includes the jaw, oral cavity, and tooth structure. X-rays work well for the vast majority of dental procedures. The images represented can reveal anything from gum disease to cavities. In addition to showing teeth in sections, dentists can also use panoramic X-rays, which can help them quickly assess oral health trends that you may be experiencing.

How Scans Work

A dental CT scan is the most common exam for a dentist to schedule, and it’s usually done for those who need dental implants in Turlock, CA. This special type of X-ray equipment will show a 3D image of everything from nerve pathways to soft tissues within your mouth. The added definition can help dentists thoroughly evaluate you, so there are no questions about what to do next.

Find a Dentist in Turlock, CA

Dental practices may all make the same promises, but the truth is that services and results can vary greatly between them. There is so much available technology out there that it’s not as easy as learning a few basic facts about X-rays and scans. That’s why it’s so important for you to find a staff that can both choose the right machinery and use it as effectively as possible.

If you’re looking for a dentist in Turlock, CA who has done their homework about what kind of equipment they’re using and whether it will make a difference to their patients, contact Progressive Health Dental to schedule an appointment.

A Look at the Benefits of Partial Dentures  

Missing a few teeth in your smile may seem like only a cosmetic problem, but a few missing teeth can actually be a big deal. Considering partial dentures in Turlock, CA? If you are yet to make an appointment, you should know that partial dentures offer a lot of benefits. These dentures snap into place and have prosthetic teeth that fill in any missing gaps. Check out some top benefits of partial dentures.

Partial Dentures Reduce Stress on Existing Teeth

When you lose a tooth, the teeth surrounding that gap pick up the extra slack when you chew. Over time, this puts added stress on the remaining teeth, and, unfortunately, this can cause problems. The existing teeth may shift forward or backward or even become more prone to damage.

Partial Dentures Restore Your Chewing Power

When you have a few missing teeth, you will automatically start using your jaws differently when you chew to compensate for the change. If you are missing several teeth, you may also find it difficult to chew your food properly. This can lead to issues with digestion, choking hazards, and more. Partial dentures give you some of your chewing power back.

Partial Dentures Prevent Changes to Your Speech

The way your tinge moves against your teeth is responsible for what your speech sounds like when you talk. Therefore, losing just a few teeth can drastically alter how you sound when you speak. Partial dentures fill in the gaps in your smile, which also restores your normal sound-making capability.

Talk to a Turlock, CA Dentist About Partial Dentures

Ready to learn more about dentures? Be sure to work with a qualified dentist in Turlock, CA to see if partial dentures are the right solution. Reach out to us at Progressive Health Dental to schedule an appointment.