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The technique of taking dental x-rays gives us the opportunity to look through the tooth. In our practice, we only work with modern digital recording technology, which significantly reduces radiation exposure compared to conventional X-rays. In addition, digital image processing enables us to enlarge the X-ray images, change contrasts, set off certain areas / tissue in color and, above all, take measurements in the range of a tenth of a millimeter.

This has become an indispensable aid, especially when planning implants or in the area of root canal treatment.

During routine dental examinations, the images help the dentist to track down hidden caries in the interdental spaces, they show clues to possible inflammation at the tooth root and allow the status and level of the jawbone to be reliably determined.

In our practice, bitewing images are taken every 1-4 years (provided the patient agrees), depending on the age of the patient and the individual risk of tooth decay. This recording technique enables the dentist to visualize and examine the entire tooth crowns of the upper and lower jaw with only two small images and thus very little radiation exposure. In this way, interstitial caries can be detected at a very early stage.

For further diagnostics, for example in the case of implantations or extensive treatments, panoramic film recordings are made with the latest digital technology and digitally evaluated.

Caries diagnosis with special light

For us, fiber optic transillumination (FOTI) is an important aid in the early diagnosis of caries. The tooth is x-rayed with an extra strong cold light probe. The tooth body is completely illuminated by the extremely bright light and it is possible to detect caries between the spaces. This shows up as a darker shadow, as the refraction of light is changed in the carious and soft dentin. The extent of the caries can also be estimated. If the lesion is still in the enamel, the shadow appears as a straight line; if it has already penetrated the dentin, the shadow takes on a more triangular shape.

With this technology, an X-ray exposure can often be dispensed with, thus avoiding exposure to radiation for the patient. This can be particularly beneficial for children or pregnant women.