Advanced Digital X-Rays at Fairview Dental in Brentwood, CA

At Fairview Dental Brentwood, our commitment to your health means investing in technology that makes your visits safer, faster, and more accurate. One of the most significant leaps in modern dentistry is the transition from traditional film to Digital X-rays (Digital Radiography).

For our patients in Brentwood and the surrounding East County communities, this means more than just high-tech gadgets; it means a diagnostic process that prioritizes your safety and provides a level of detail that traditional methods simply cannot match.

Why Digital X-Rays are the Modern Standard

Traditional X-rays required biting down on bulky film, waiting 10–15 minutes for chemical development, and exposure to higher levels of radiation. At Fairview Dental, we utilize digital sensors that capture images of your teeth instantly.

1. Unmatched Safety: Reduced Radiation

The most common concern patients have regarding dental X-rays is radiation. Digital technology has revolutionized this aspect of care.

• Up to 90% Less Radiation: Digital X-rays require significantly less energy to produce a high-quality image. In fact, the radiation from a single digital dental X-ray is roughly equivalent to the natural background radiation you receive from eating a few bananas or taking a short airplane flight.
• ALARA Principle: We strictly follow the ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable) protocol, ensuring you only receive the imaging necessary for your specific clinical needs.

2. Instant Results and Enhanced Diagnostics

With digital sensors, there is no “wait time.” The image is transmitted immediately to a chairside monitor.

• Detail and Clarity: Dr. Thuc Luu can zoom in on specific areas, adjust contrast, and enlarge the image to spot microscopic fractures or early-stage decay that would be invisible on a small piece of film.
• AI-Enhanced Analysis: In 2025, we often use AI-powered diagnostic software to cross-reference our findings, ensuring the highest level of accuracy in identifying bone loss or hidden infections.

The Different Types of Digital Imaging We Provide

Not all dental issues are the same, which is why we use different “views” to get a complete picture of your oral health.

Bitewing X-Rays

These are the most common X-rays taken during routine check-ups. They show the upper and lower teeth in one area of the mouth, from the crown to the level of the supporting bone.

• Purpose: Identifying cavities between teeth (interproximal decay) and monitoring bone density changes caused by gum disease.

Periapical (PA) X-Rays

A periapical X-ray focuses on one or two specific teeth but shows the entire tooth, from the crown down to the very tip of the root and the surrounding jawbone.

• Purpose: Detecting abscesses, cysts, or deep-seated infections that may require a root canal or oral surgery.

Panoramic X-Rays

Unlike intraoral X-rays, this “extraoral” image is taken outside the mouth. The machine rotates around your head, creating a single, broad 2D view of your entire mouth.

Purpose: Assessing wisdom teeth, identifying jaw joint (TMJ) disorders, and screening for tumors or impacted teeth. It is an essential tool for planning orthodontic treatments or dental implants.