Dentistry and technology together are creating new possibilities. Dentists can now attain new levels of care in preventative, restorative and cosmetic dentistry using an array of the latest technology. It is still possible to practice dentistry in an old chair with basic equipment but that is not the sort of dentistry that is practiced at Smile Bay Dental Burpengary. The dentists working out of Smile Bay Dental Burpengary make use of the latest high-technology equipment and techniques to ensure that the highest quality dentistry is delivered to you in a safe, comfortable environment.
If there’s a piece of equipment that will make your visit to us a little easier, rest assured Smile Bay Dental Burpengary either have it or it is on order!
Very similar to digital photography this amazing technology allows us to view and manipulate dental radiographs almost instantaneously.
The benefit to you is approximately 90% less exposure to X-ray radiation. A single small radiograph has the equivalent radiation exposure as two hours of sunshine. Digital radiography also enables us to communicate any problems more effectively to you, as the image appears on a large LCD screen.
It is also kinder to the environment as no waste chemicals need to be disposed of.
The term X-ray is a reference to the radiation that is used to create the image on a film or digital x-ray sensor. The image is referred to as a radiograph.
A radiograph is an extremely important diagnostic tool. These images show your dentist many things that are not visible by just looking in the mouth. Radiographs therefore are an essential part of a thorough and complete examination. In order to do a proper check-up it is important that radiographs are used to help with the visual examination. Your dentist takes them to check between the teeth and under any fillings or crowns that are present. They are also taken to check for any signs of infection or gum disease around the teeth. Without the proper use of both, an inferior examination and inferior treatment will result.
Bitewings are used to help diagnose cavities between the teeth, as these areas are not visible when looking directly in the mouth.
Periapicals show the entire tooth, including the root and surrounding bone. They are useful in diagnosing an abscess, impacted tooth or bone loss due to periodontal disease.
Panoramic (Panex) also known as OPG:
It is important that old and new radiographs are compared in order to achieve an accurate diagnosis.
There is no set time frame; it depends on your oral health and susceptibility to dental disease. For most people two bitewings taken every 18 to 24 months is adequate, but for those with a high decay rate and /or poor oral hygiene, once a year may be necessary.
The ionizing radiation that you receive from one dental X-ray is substantially less that the natural background radiation that you receive every day from natural sources (the sun and the stars). For example, the radiation exposure to take a single periapical radiograph is equivalent to two hours of sunshine at 2000 metres e.g. on a ski field).
Radiation doses are kept at the lowest practical level to minimise patient exposure. This is achieved by the use of a long cone position-indicating device, appropriate settings on the machine, and using the latest high-speed digital sensors.
Any radiation is potentially harmful but the benefits of having the radiographs taken far outweigh the risks associated with such minute exposures. There are many times that a radiograph is necessary to diagnose certain conditions. It has been proven that X-rays pose a minimal risk to a pregnant woman and her unborn baby. However, radiographs for pregnant women are only taken in an emergency
All dental and cosmetic procedures carry potential risks as well as benefits. The information provided on this website is general in nature and not a substitute for professional advice. Individual treatment outcomes may vary. Dentists practising at Smile Bay Dental Burpengary are independent practitioners, registered with the Dental Board of Australia, and are solely responsible for the dental services they provide. No testimonials, guarantees, inducements, or offers are made or implied through this site in accordance with AHPRA advertising guidelines (effective 2 September 2025).
