Office Technology
We use state of the art technology to keep you smiling.

Welcome to Dandune Dentistry

Dental radiographs, or X-rays, are an important part of a thorough dental examination. A full set of X-rays (18) is usually required for patients who are new to a dental practice, or who need extensive treatment. Two to four follow-up or check-up X-rays called “bite-wings” are necessary every 6-18 months, depending on each individual patient’s needs. The most common questions concerning dental X-rays deal with: why they are needed, the amount of radiation exposure, the safety during pregnancy, and recently, the benefit of digital X-ray technology.

Dental X-rays are important for many reasons. They can expose hidden tooth decay; reveal a tooth abscess, cyst or tumor; show impacted or extra teeth; and also help determine the condition of dental fillings, tooth crowns, dental bridges and root canals. Dental X-rays can also reveal bone loss from periodontal gum disease, locate tarter buildup, find foreign bodies within the gum or bone, and see if there is enough bone for the placement of dental implants. These are just some of the many reasons why dentists rely on dental X-rays.

Some people worry about their exposure to radiation during dental X-ray procedures. This is very understandable in light of the relatively high radiation of some medical X-rays. They may remember a doctor in the emergency room asking them or a female family member if they are pregnant because they need to take a chest X-ray or an upper gastrointestinal (GI) series. Patients who have had cancer may also have a heightened sense of awareness about the radiation that they are receiving at the dental office.

Dentists are very concerned about minimizing the amount of radiation a patient receives at the dental office. That’s why we use special high-speed film, and cover patients with a lead apron during X-ray procedures. You will be happy to know that 18 dental X-rays deliver 56,000 times less radiation to an unborn child than an upper GI series, 800 times less radiation than a chest X-ray, and 40 times less radiation than a typical day of background radiation. Dental X-rays are both safe and effective, and can be used during pregnancy.

One new dental technology involving dental X-rays is digital X-rays. They offer the advantage of an 80 percent reduction in radiation, no need for film or processing chemicals, production of a nearly instantaneously image, and the ability to use color contrast in the image. The main disadvantage is the cost. Digital X-ray units presently cost 3-5 times more than conventional units, and the quality of the image is not any better than film. The speed in which a dentist gets to see the image is about three seconds, but with fast developing chemicals, a conventional X-ray can be developed in about 15 seconds. The digital unit does reduce exposure to radiation, but the amount of radiation is so low that the benefit is very slight.

Dental X-rays are an important tool in the diagnosis and treatment of dental problems. They do not, however, replace the need for a visual examination of the head, neck, TMJ and oral cavity. It is only with a combination of both the X-ray and the visual examination that the dentist can best treat his or her patients.

In addition to the diagnostic X-rays, Dr. Mayelzadeh performs a visual exam to check for outward signs of decay and gum disease. The diagnosis of periodontal disease and cavities are two important parts of a dental examination.

How it works:
Since you may have periodontal disease without experiencing any symptoms, Dr. Mayelzadeh performs a thorough examination using the X-rays and a periodontal probe. Healthy gums fit tight against the teeth and have no pockets. When the bone levels fall as a result of periodontal disease, the gums pull away from the teeth and form pockets. Dr. Mayelzadeh measures the depth of any pocket with a periodontal probe. The probe measures the distance from the bottom of the pocket, where the gum is attached to the tooth, to the top of the gums. In general, the deeper the pockets, the greater the extent of periodontal disease.

To find cavities, Dr. Mayelzadeh performs a visual examination and uses the X-rays. Using a dental explorer, he checks the tops and sides of your teeth for surface cavities. To look for cavities between teeth, he usesВ yourВ X-rays.

Your comprehensive dental examination is being completed by Dr. Mayelzadeh checkingВ your bite and your jaw to ensure proper alignment and function, and inspecting all existing fillings and dental work to see whether anything needs to be replaced. In some cases he might decide that a study model is necessary.

If you have taken care of your oral health and hygiene and don’t need any treatment, the process is done!
For all others patients, Dr. Mayelzadeh will discuss and develop a treatment plan according to their dental needs. At Dandune Dentistry we believe that the right decision can be only made if you have been informed about all of your options. Dr. Mayelzadeh will introduce you to a complete dental treatment plan while he educates you about В the different options, their importance and order of necessity.

At Dandune Dentistry weВ are serious about providing high quality dental care and proud of our dedication to our patients.

Dandune Dentistry 4527 Montgomery Drive Suite B Santa Rosa. CA 95409 Phone: 707.623.9913 Fax: 707.623.9417