At Elite Smiles Dental in Columbia, SC, we are committed to providing the highest level of care using the latest advancements in dental technology. From digital x-rays to 3D CT scanning, these cutting-edge tools allow us to diagnose and treat oral health concerns with greater accuracy, efficiency, and comfort. Our goal is to ensure that every patient receives precise, personalized care in a welcoming environment.
Explore our advanced imaging services below to learn how they enhance your dental experience and contribute to better long-term oral health.
Digital X-Rays
What Are Digital X-Rays?
Digital x-rays capture highly detailed images beneath the surface of your teeth and gums, allowing us to detect hidden dental concerns. These images help diagnose decay, infections, impacted teeth, bone loss, and other conditions that may not be visible during a standard exam. With minimal radiation exposure, digital x-rays are a safe and essential tool for maintaining optimal oral health.Â
At Elite Smiles Dental in Columbia, SC, we use this advanced technology to provide precise and comfortable care.
Why Would You Need Digital X-Rays?
Routine exams may not always reveal everything happening beneath your gums, which is why x-rays are often necessary. They allow us to identify problems early, ensuring prompt treatment. Some of the conditions that x-rays help diagnose include:
- Tooth decay: Detects cavities that may form between teeth or under fillings.
- Root infections: Identifies abscesses or inflammation in the tooth’s pulp.
- Bone loss: Evaluates the extent of bone deterioration due to gum disease.
- Impacted teeth: Locates teeth that have not erupted properly, such as wisdom teeth.
- Children’s development: Monitors the alignment and growth of permanent teeth.
Who Is A Candidate For Digital X-Rays?
Most patients benefit from digital x-rays, as they allow for early detection and effective treatment planning. Since radiation exposure is minimal, this imaging method is safe for nearly all individuals. However, we always review your medical history to ensure x-rays are appropriate for your needs.
What Happens During The Digital X-Ray Process?
A team member will place a lead apron over your midsection to protect you from radiation exposure. A small, comfortable sensor will be positioned inside your mouth while the x-ray machine captures images from different angles. Once the necessary images are taken, our team will carefully review them and discuss any findings with you.
Stay ahead of potential dental concerns. Call us today to schedule an appointment.
Intraoral Cameras
What Is An Intraoral Camera?
An intraoral camera is a small, handheld device that captures high-resolution images inside your mouth. This advanced technology magnifies your teeth and gums, making it easier to detect cavities, fractures, and other concerns that may not be visible during a standard visual exam. By providing real-time images, intraoral cameras allow both our team and our patients to gain a better understanding of oral health.
Why Is An Intraoral Camera Needed?
Intraoral cameras enhance both diagnosis and patient education by providing a detailed view of your oral structures. This tool helps us detect issues early and communicate treatment needs more effectively. Some of the benefits include:
- Detecting hidden issues: Identifies small cavities, cracks, and gum disease that may be overlooked in a standard exam.
- Providing real-time visuals: Displays magnified images of your teeth and gums on a screen for better understanding.
- Enhancing treatment discussions: Allows you to see exactly what we see, making it easier to discuss treatment options.
Who Is A Candidate For An Intraoral Camera Scan?
Most patients can benefit from intraoral cameras, whether they are visiting for a routine check-up, a treatment evaluation, or an emergency dental concern. This technology helps us ensure precise diagnostics and a better patient experience.
What Happens During An Intraoral Camera Appointment?
While you relax in the treatment chair, a team member will gently guide the handheld camera inside your mouth. The images appear instantly on a screen, allowing us to examine your teeth and gums in detail. After reviewing the images, we will discuss any concerns and recommend treatment options if needed.
Get a closer look at your smile. Call us today to schedule an appointment.
Digital Scanning
What Is Digital Scanning?
Digital scanning, also known as 3D intraoral scanning, is a modern alternative to traditional dental impressions. This technology allows us to capture highly detailed images of your teeth and gums without using messy molds. It enhances accuracy, comfort, and efficiency in procedures such as creating crowns, bridges, retainers, and dentures.
How Does Digital Scanning Work?
A small, handheld wand is used to scan your mouth, capturing precise digital images of your teeth and gums. These images are then displayed on a computer screen, creating a 3D model of your mouth in real-time. This process is:
- Quick and painless: Eliminates the discomfort associated with traditional impressions.
- Mess-free: No need for sticky or goopy impression materials.
- Highly accurate: Provides precise measurements for restorations and orthodontic treatments.
What Are The Benefits Of Digital Scanning?
Both patients and our team benefit from digital scanning due to its speed, accuracy, and ease of use. Some key advantages include:
- Faster impressions: Allows for same-day restorations in some cases.
- Immediate results: Enables real-time treatment planning and faster turnaround times.
- Better accuracy: Reduces the risk of errors in restorations and orthodontic planning.
- Increased comfort: Eliminates the need for traditional molds that may cause gagging.
Discover the benefits of digital scanning. Call us today to schedule an appointment.
3D CT Scanning
What Is 3D CT Scanning?
3D CT scanning is an advanced imaging technology that provides a highly detailed view of your oral structures, including bone, soft tissue, and nerve pathways. This scan is commonly used for planning oral surgery, placing dental implants, and diagnosing complex conditions. At Elite Smiles Dental in Columbia, SC, we use this technology to ensure precise and personalized treatment.
Why Would 3D CT Scanning Be Needed?
A 3D CT scan gives a more complete picture of your oral anatomy, making it an essential tool for diagnosing and treating complex dental concerns. It is especially useful for:
- Oral surgery planning: Helps identify structures before procedures to ensure a safe approach.
- Implant placement: Assesses bone density and determines the optimal location for implants.
- Nerve and sinus evaluation: Identifies important structures to prevent complications.
- Advanced diagnostics: Detects hidden issues that may not be visible on standard x-rays.
Who Is A Candidate For 3D CT Scanning?
Patients requiring oral surgery, implant placement, or advanced treatment planning often benefit from a 3D CT scan. Because this technology provides a complete and detailed view of your oral structures, it allows for more precise, customized care. Before performing a scan, we will review your medical history to ensure it is appropriate for you.
What Happens During A 3D CT Scan?
A team member will place a lead apron over your body to minimize radiation exposure. You will then stand inside a circular scanning machine while it rotates around your head, capturing multiple images from different angles. The scan takes just a few minutes and provides immediate results for evaluation. Once complete, we will use these images to plan your treatment with precision.
Looking for advanced dental imaging? Contact us today to learn more about 3D CT scanning.