Digital X-rays in Little Rock & Jacksonville, AR

Digital x-rays (radiographs) are an important and essential diagnostic tool used in all areas of dentistry. As a safer, faster, and more efficient alternative to traditional film radiographs, digital x-rays produce around 90% less radiation than their conventional counterparts. At Ashcraft Orthodontics, we are proud to bring the latest in advanced technology to improve the lives and treatment outcomes of our patients. Experienced orthodontist Dr. Michael Ashcraft uses Kodak 3D digital x-rays to view and identify conditions affecting the teeth, jaw, and overall oral function. 3D digital x-rays are far more detailed than traditional films, allowing our orthodontist to diagnose and treat oral conditions earlier and often with less invasive care. By incorporating diagnostic digital x-rays into clinical evaluation of the mouth, teeth, and jaw, Dr. Ashcraft offers a personalized, accurate approach to orthodontic treatment that can help meet the individual needs of each patient. He and our team are pleased to bring the benefits of digital x-rays to patients in our Little Rock, AR and Jacksonville, AR practice locations.

Digital x-rays are typically taken during the diagnostic phase of orthodontic treatment and are safe for most patients of all ages. These 3D images are vital for gaining a comprehensive understanding of orthodontic needs to create the course of treatment best suited to address problems and improve oral function and appearance. Oral concerns, like impacted teeth, misaligned teeth, delayed eruption patterns, and improper tooth positioning, can be evaluated to plan for proper orthodontic treatment to correct the bite and other alignment concerns. While digital x-rays generate a significantly lower level of radiation, Dr. Ashcraft and our team choose to minimize patient exposure and only take x-rays when necessary to prepare for initial treatment or to monitor treatment progress. We kindly request that patients who are pregnant, or those who believe they might be pregnant, let us know so that we may adhere to special precautions when the need for x-rays arises.

X-rays are generally taken during the initial orthodontic consultation and as needed to evaluate progress over the course of treatment. In most cases, a 3D panoramic x-ray will be taken, which is one that shows a complete image of the upper and lower jawbones, all of the teeth (including unerupted permanent teeth), sinus cavities, and other facial structures in a three-dimensional view. To have this simple x-ray taken, you will be positioned precisely in front of our digital panoramic x-ray machine and asked to bite down on a small plastic stick. The machine will rotate 360-degrees around your head, capturing a complete and extremely detailed image and transmitting it directly to our digital computer software. Quick, comfortable, and efficient, the entire x-ray process at Ashcraft Orthodontics takes less than five minutes.

Once the x-ray is taken, Dr. Ashcraft will review the image with you and discuss any areas of concern. The image will also be utilized when we create your personalized orthodontic treatment plan and as needed to determine treatment timing. Digital x-rays are taken initially as a diagnostic procedure but may also be recommended at various points throughout care to assess the orthodontic process. After they are taken, digital x-rays are stored in your patient file and referred to as necessary to evaluate treatment outcomes.

Panoramic x-rays are often a benefit provided under many dental insurance plans and may be covered every 3 – 5 years. To learn more about your family's specific plan, our business team will contact your insurance provider and gather detailed information. At Ashcraft Orthodontics, we understand that there may be out-of-pocket expenses at times and are pleased to offer several convenient payment methods, including low-cost financing options through CareCredit®.

Bringing the highest level of orthodontic care to our patients is one of our top priorities. 3D digital x-rays from Ashcraft Orthodontics offer a highly efficient, low-radiation approach toward diagnosing orthodontic needs. As an advanced radiographic approach, digital x-rays produce higher-quality images that reveal oral conditions in much finer detail. Taking digital x-rays at the start of treatment and then as needed to monitor progress helps orthodontic specialist Dr. Ashcraft and our team deliver personalized care and plan for greater accuracy in treatment outcomes. To learn more about the benefits of digital x-rays, schedule a visit at our Little Rock, AR or Jacksonville, AR practice locations today.