Digital X-rays | Dental Imaging Near You

Safe, Fast Digital X-rays Available Near You

Stepping into Hickman Family Dental in Urbandale, IA, means experiencing dental care that puts your comfort, safety, and health first. Dr. Erickson understands that dental visits can cause anxiety for many patients, which is why we’ve invested in digital X-ray technology that makes your diagnostic experience faster, more comfortable, and significantly safer. With up to 90% less radiation than traditional X-rays, immediate image results, and crystal-clear pictures that help identify dental issues at their earliest stages, our digital imaging system transforms how you experience dental care.

Your time is valuable, your comfort is essential, and your health is our priority. Whether you’re due for a routine dental check-up or addressing specific oral health concerns, experience the difference that patient-centered technology can make. Call Hickman Family Dental today at (515) 276-4981 to schedule your appointment with our Urbandale dentist and discover how digital X-rays revolutionize dental care for Urbandale, Johnston, and Clive patients.

Kavo Dental Technologies: Pioneering Dental Excellence

The team at Hickman Family Dental have embraced Kavo dental technologies to elevate the quality of care they provide to their patients. Kavo is renowned in the dental industry for its innovative solutions that integrate seamlessly into the dental practice workflow.

One of the key components of Kavo’s offerings is its advanced digital imaging systems. These systems, including the latest digital X-ray technology, have become indispensable tools in diagnosing and treating dental conditions effectively.

What is a Digital X-ray?

A digital X-ray is an advanced dental imaging technique that uses electronic sensors instead of traditional photographic film to capture detailed images of your teeth and surrounding structures. At Hickman Family Dental in Urbandale, IA, Dr. Erickson employs this cutting-edge technology to detect dental issues that might remain hidden during a regular visual examination.

Digital X-rays use a small sensor that is placed inside the mouth to capture images. This sensor connects to a computer where the image appears almost immediately. The entire process takes just seconds, significantly reducing the time you spend in the dental chair compared to conventional X-rays.

The digital system captures high-resolution images of your teeth, roots, jawbone, and surrounding tissues. These detailed images help Dr. Erickson identify problems such as:

Cavities between teeth or under existing fillings
Bone loss associated with gum disease
Abscesses or cysts
Developmental abnormalities
Tumors
Impacted teeth (especially wisdom teeth)
Changes in root canal fillings
Tracking dental development in children

The digital format allows for enhanced viewing capabilities. Dr. Erickson can enlarge images, adjust brightness and contrast, or add color coding to highlight specific areas of concern. This improved visualization aids in early detection of dental problems, when treatments are typically less invasive and more cost-effective.

How is it Different From a Normal X-Ray?

Traditional dental X-rays have been used for decades and involve placing film packets inside your mouth, which must be developed using chemical processing similar to conventional photography. Digital X-rays represent a technological leap forward with several key differences:

Reduced Radiation Exposure

The most significant advantage of digital X-rays is the substantially lower radiation exposure. At Hickman Family Dental, patient safety is paramount. Digital X-ray systems used by Dr. Erickson in Urbandale, IA, reduce radiation exposure by up to 80-90% compared to traditional film X-rays. This makes them much safer, particularly for children, pregnant women, and patients who require frequent X-rays.

Immediate Results

With traditional X-rays, patients and dentists must wait while films are developed in chemical solutions. Digital X-rays eliminate this waiting period. Images appear on the computer screen within seconds, allowing Dr. Erickson to discuss findings with you immediately during your appointment.

Superior Image Quality

Digital X-rays provide enhanced image quality with better contrast and the ability to magnify specific areas. Dr. Erickson can adjust brightness, contrast, and sharpness to get the clearest possible view of potential problems. The system also allows for side-by-side comparisons with previous images to track changes over time.

Environmentally Friendly

Traditional X-ray processing requires chemicals for development, which must be disposed of properly to avoid environmental contamination. Digital X-rays eliminate the need for these chemicals, making them an environmentally responsible choice at Hickman Family Dental.

Easier Storage and Transfer

Digital images are stored electronically in your patient record, eliminating the physical storage problems associated with film X-rays. If you need to see a specialist, Dr. Erickson can instantly transfer your X-rays electronically, facilitating faster consultations and treatment planning.

Enhanced Communication

Digital images can be displayed on large monitors in the treatment room, making it easier for Dr. Erickson to explain your dental condition and treatment options. This visual aid helps you better understand your dental health and make informed decisions about your care.

How does Digital X-ray Help My Dentist?

Digital X-ray technology has revolutionized the way Dr. Erickson practices dentistry at Hickman Family Dental in Urbandale, IA. These advanced imaging systems provide numerous advantages that directly translate to better patient care:

Early Detection of Dental Issues

The enhanced image quality of digital X-rays allows Dr. Erickson to detect dental problems at much earlier stages than would be possible with traditional X-rays or visual examination alone. Early detection of issues such as tiny cavities, small cracks, or initial bone loss enables more conservative treatment approaches and better outcomes.

Precise Diagnosis

The ability to manipulate digital images gives Dr. Erickson unprecedented diagnostic capabilities. By adjusting contrast, brightness, or using color-coding features, subtle changes in dental structures become more apparent. This precision helps avoid misdiagnosis and ensures you receive exactly the treatment you need.

Improved Treatment Planning

For complex dental procedures such as root canals, implants, or orthodontic work, digital X-rays provide Dr. Erickson with detailed information needed for thorough treatment planning. The ability to take precise measurements directly on the digital image helps with accurate preparation for procedures.

Effective Patient Education

When patients can see clear images of their dental conditions, they better understand the recommendations made by Dr. Erickson. Digital X-rays serve as powerful visual aids during consultations at Hickman Family Dental, helping patients make informed decisions about their dental care.

Streamlined Record-Keeping

Digital X-rays integrate seamlessly with electronic patient records, creating a comprehensive digital dental chart. This integration allows Dr. Erickson to track changes in your dental health over time with greater accuracy. The system can also flag areas for monitoring at future appointments.

Enhanced Collaboration

When complex cases require consultation with specialists, digital X-rays can be instantly shared electronically. This facilitates collaboration between Dr. Erickson and other dental professionals, ensuring coordinated care for patients with complex dental needs.

Reduced Treatment Time

The speed of digital imaging reduces the time needed for diagnostic procedures. This efficiency allows Dr. Erickson to focus more time on actual treatment and patient care rather than waiting for X-rays to be processed.

Improved Workflow

The digital workflow eliminates many manual steps involved with traditional X-rays. Staff at Hickman Family Dental spend less time processing and organizing physical films and more time focusing on patient care, creating a more efficient dental practice.

Frequently Asked Questions

While digital X-rays use significantly less radiation than traditional X-rays, Dr. Erickson typically recommends postponing any dental X-rays during pregnancy unless absolutely necessary for emergency treatment. At Hickman Family Dental in Urbandale, IA, we prioritize the safety of both mother and baby. If an X-ray is essential during pregnancy, we use additional protective measures, including lead aprons with thyroid collars, to minimize exposure.

Yes, children can safely receive digital X-rays at Hickman Family Dental. In fact, the reduced radiation dose makes digital technology particularly appropriate for younger patients. Dr. Erickson uses child-sized sensors specifically designed for smaller mouths and carefully determines the minimum number of images needed to monitor dental development and check for cavities.

Absolutely! One of the advantages of digital X-rays at Hickman Family Dental is the immediate ability to share these images with you. Dr. Erickson regularly displays dental X-rays on in-room monitors to explain findings and treatment recommendations. You can also request copies of your digital X-rays for your personal records, which we can provide electronically.

If you’ve recently had dental X-rays at another practice before coming to Hickman Family Dental in Urbandale, IA, let our team know. Dr. Erickson can request that these images be transferred digitally to avoid unnecessary duplication. This transfer process protects you from additional radiation exposure and helps control dental care costs.

Experience Superior Dental Care Near You

Your smile deserves the very best care that modern dentistry can provide. At Hickman Family Dental, Dr. Erickson uses state-of-the-art digital X-ray technology to detect dental issues earlier, plan treatments more effectively, and keep your smile radiant for years to come. We proudly welcome patients from Grimes, Waukee, and Windsor Heights to experience the difference that advanced dental care can make. Every appointment begins with genuine concern for your comfort and long-term dental health.

Why settle for outdated dental practices when the future of dental care is available right here in your community? Take the first meaningful step toward a healthier, brighter smile by calling our Urbandale dentist today at (515) 276-4981. Our friendly team is ready to welcome you into our dental family and provide the exceptional care you deserve.

Digital X-Rays in Urbandale, IA

95% accurate in detecting cavities not detectable with x-rays or a clinical exam.