Digital X-Rays & Records / iTero Scan

At Seaside Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, we are committed to providing the highest quality of care for your child using the most advanced dental technologies. Two of the most innovative tools we use to diagnose and treat dental issues in children are Digital X-rays and the iTero® scanner. These cutting-edge technologies enable us to capture highly accurate images of your child’s teeth and mouth in a safe, efficient, and comfortable way.

What Are Digital X-Rays in La Jolla and Scripps Ranch?

Digital X-rays are an advanced diagnostic tool that uses electronic sensors instead of traditional film to capture detailed images of the teeth, bones, and surrounding tissues. These images can be immediately shown on a computer screen, allowing the dentist to analyze and diagnose conditions quickly and accurately. 

Unlike conventional X-rays, digital X-rays emit far lower levels of radiation, making them safer for children. The high-quality images produced by digital X-rays enable us to detect even the smallest dental issues early, ensuring prompt and effective treatment.

Types of Digital X-Rays

At Seaside Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, we use various types of digital X-rays depending on the type of information we need:

1. Bitewing X-rays: These are commonly used to detect cavities between the back teeth and assess bone levels that support the teeth. They provide a clear view of both the upper and lower teeth in one image.
2. Periapical X-rays: These images focus on a single tooth from the crown to the root. They are useful for detecting issues such as abscesses, impacted teeth, and infections.
3. Panoramic X-rays: Panoramic X-rays capture a wide view of the entire mouth, including all teeth, the jawbone, and surrounding structures. They are ideal for evaluating tooth development, assessing impacted teeth, and planning orthodontic treatment.
4. Occlusal X-rays: These are used to capture images of the floor of the mouth and detect extra teeth, unerupted teeth, and issues with the jaw.

Each of these X-rays plays a vital role in pediatric dental care, allowing us to monitor your child’s dental development, identify problems early, and create an individualized treatment plan.

Benefits of Digital X-Rays for Children in La Jolla and Scripps Ranch

Digital X-rays have numerous advantages over traditional film X-rays, particularly in pediatric dentistry. Some of the key advantages include the following: 

Lower Radiation Exposure

One of the most significant advantages of digital X-rays is the reduced radiation exposure compared to traditional X-rays. Digital X-rays use up to 90% less radiation, making them a much safer option for children whose developing bodies are more sensitive to radiation. At Seaside Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, your child’s safety is our top priority, and we always take measures to minimize exposure while obtaining the necessary diagnostic information.

Instant Results and Improved Diagnostics

Digital X-rays provide instantaneous results, as the images appear on the computer screen immediately after being captured. This allows the dentist to make quick and accurate diagnoses during the same appointment. There’s no need to wait for the film to develop, and any necessary treatment can begin right away. The high-resolution images also allow us to zoom in, adjust contrast, and highlight areas of concern, making it easier to spot small cavities, infections, or other dental issues early on. 

Enhanced Communication With Parents and Patients

Digital X-rays enhance communication between the dentist, parents, and the child. Since the images are displayed on a computer screen, we can easily show parents any areas of concern and explain treatment options in a visual, understandable way. This helps parents make informed decisions about their child’s dental care.

Environment Friendly

Digital X-rays eliminate the need for film, chemicals, and other materials associated with traditional X-rays, making them a more environment-friendly option. By reducing waste and chemical use, digital X-rays contribute to a greener, more sustainable dental practice. 

Better Record-Keeping and Tracking of Dental Development

Digital X-rays are easily stored in your child’s electronic dental records. This allows us to track changes in their dental health over time, compare previous images, and monitor the development of their teeth and jaw. If your child requires orthodontic treatment or other specialized care, having digital records makes it easy to share information with other healthcare providers.

iTero Scanner in La Jolla and Scripps Ranch

The iTero scanner is a state-of-the-art digital imaging device that takes highly detailed 3D scans of your child’s teeth and gums. Unlike traditional impressions that use messy putty and trays, the iTero scanner captures precise images using a small, handheld wand that moves around the inside of the mouth. This allows us to create accurate digital models of your child’s teeth for orthodontic treatment, restorations, and more. 

The iTero scanner is often used in combination with Invisalign® and other orthodontic treatments to plan and track the progress of the treatment. At Seaside Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, we use the iTero scanner to enhance patient experience and ensure precise, personalized care.

How Does the iTero Scanner Work?

The iTero scanner works by using optical and laser technology to capture thousands of images of the teeth and gums in just minutes. As the scanner wand is passed over your child’s teeth, it creates a 3D digital model of the mouth. This model can be used for a variety of purposes, including orthodontic treatment planning, creating dental restorations, and monitoring changes in dental health over time.

The process is quick, comfortable, and noninvasive, making it ideal for children who may be anxious about traditional dental procedures. There’s no need for impressions, so your child can avoid the discomfort of biting down on a tray filled with putty. Contact us to learn more. 

Benefits of iTero Scanning for Children and Adolescents

The iTero scanner can provide numerous benefits for young patients, especially those undergoing orthodontic treatment or needing dental restorations. Some of the key benefits include: 

Comfort and Noninvasiveness 

One of the primary benefits of the iTero scanner is that it eliminates the need for traditional dental impressions, which can be uncomfortable, especially for young children. The scanning process is quick and painless, making it easier for children to sit through their appointments without feeling anxious or uneasy.

Accurate and Detailed 3D Imaging

The iTero scanner captures incredibly detailed 3D images of your child’s teeth and gums. This level of precision enables us to create highly accurate treatment plans, whether for braces, Invisalign, or dental restorations. Accurate impressions ensure that orthodontic appliances, such as retainers or aligners, fit perfectly, which contributes to the success of the treatment. 

Improved Treatment Planning

With the detailed 3D model produced by the iTero scanner, we can create highly personalized treatment plans tailored to your child’s specific needs. For orthodontic treatments like Invisalign, the scanner allows us to simulate the movement of teeth and predict the final outcome, giving you and your child a preview of the expected results.

Faster Turnaround Time

Because the iTero scanner produces instant digital images, we can quickly send the data to dental labs or orthodontic companies like Invisalign. This means that your child’s treatment can start sooner, and the need for follow-up appointments to correct impression errors is minimized. 

Real-Time Progress Tracking

For children undergoing orthodontic treatment, the iTero scanner can be used to track progress over time. By comparing current scans with previous ones, we can ensure that the treatment is progressing as expected and make any necessary adjustments to achieve the best possible results.

Interactive Patient Experience

The iTero scanner enhances patient experience by allowing children and parents to see real-time images of their teeth on the screen. This interactive feature helps children understand their treatment and visualize the final results, which can motivate them to follow through with their orthodontic or dental care. 

Applications of Digital X-rays and iTero Scans in Pediatric and Adolescent Dentistry

At Seaside Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, we use digital X-rays, and iTero scans for a wide range of dental treatments, including:

Cavity Detection and Preventive Care

Digital X-rays are essential for detecting cavities early, particularly in areas that are not visible to the naked eye, such as between teeth or beneath fillings. Early detection of cavities allows us to treat them with less invasive procedures, such as fillings, and prevent the decay from spreading. Regular X-rays also help us monitor the development of your child’s teeth and identify any potential issues before they become serious.

Orthodontic Treatment Planning

Both digital X-rays and iTero scans play critical roles in planning and monitoring orthodontic treatments. X-rays allow us to evaluate the position of the teeth and jawbones, while the iTero scanner provides detailed 3D images that can be the basis for creating precise orthodontic appliances such as braces, Invisalign aligners, or retainers. 

With the iTero scanner, we can simulate tooth movement and predict how the teeth will shift over time. This allows us to create a custom treatment plan tailored to your child’s unique needs and provide you with a preview of the expected results.

Early Detection of Orthodontic Issues

Digital X-rays help us identify orthodontic issues early, such as overcrowding, misalignment, or impacted teeth. Early detection allows us to intervene with preventive orthodontic treatments, such as spacers or expanders, which can help guide the teeth into proper alignment and avoid more extensive treatments later. 

Monitoring Tooth Development

For younger children, digital X-rays and iTero scans allow us to monitor the development of primary (baby) and permanent teeth. This is particularly important in identifying any issues with tooth eruption, missing teeth, or other developmental concerns that may require early intervention.

Creating Custom Dental Appliances

If your child needs a dental appliance, such as a mouthguard, retainer, or space maintainer, the iTero scanner enables us to create a custom-fit appliance without the need for uncomfortable impressions. The digital model produced by the iTero scanner ensures that the appliance fits perfectly and functions as intended. 

Conclusion

At Seaside Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, we are dedicated to providing your child with the best dental care possible, and that includes using the most advanced technologies available. Digital X-rays and the iTero scanner allow us to diagnose and treat dental issues with greater accuracy, safety, and comfort. These cutting-edge tools not only improve the quality of care but also enhance the overall patient experience, making dental visits more enjoyable for both children and parents.

By choosing Seaside Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, you can be confident that your child is receiving top-notch care in a friendly, state-of-the-art environment. Whether your child needs preventive care, orthodontic treatment, or restorative procedures, our use of digital X-rays and iTero scans ensures that their dental health is in expert hands.

At Seaside Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics, we are committed to providing gentle, expert dental care. With two convenient locations at 875 Prospect St #202, La Jolla, CA 92037, and 10549 Scripps Poway Pkwy Suite E, San Diego, CA 92131, we make it easy to schedule an appointment that fits your family's busy lifestyle. Call us today at (858) 551-9700 for our La Jolla office or (858) 271-4200 for our San Diego location to book your next visit!