In order to determine the type of care needed in this office, a set of initial x-rays are taken and measured. Follow-up x-rays are taken at intervals of 36 visits annual maximal correction has been achieved. This is a very minimal frequency compared to orthopedic surgeons who often take initial, pre-opoerative, immediate post-operative, one-week, one-month, 6 month and long-term follow-up x-rays for surgical cases.

The danger would be a slight increase in the risk of cancer. But, from a health standpoint, dental x rays have a much bigger benefit than risk. You will notice though, that your dentist and dental hygienist will not stay in the same room as you, for there is no reason for them to receive doses several times a day, 5 days a week. Their leaving and the lead apron that you may be asked to wear are measures to reduce all of the doses so that they are as low as reasonably achievable.

X-rays can be dangerous if used improperly. The risk is significantly lowered as we use ionizing radiation in a safe and prudent manner. It is the responsibility of the radiographer to assure that patients, co-workers, and self are protected from radiation as much as possible. We use time, distance, and shielding to accomplish low levels of radiation exposure. This means we minimize the time spent in the x-ray field, maximize our distance, and use shielding whenever appropriate.

There is very little risk in dental X-rays. Pediatric dentists are especially careful to limit the amount of radiation to which children are exposed. Lead aprons and high-speed film are used to ensure safety and minimize the amount of radiation.

Please call the office where the x-rays were taken 1 week prior to the date you need them and leave a message.

Radiographs (X-Rays) are a vital and necessary part of your child's dental diagnostic process. Without them, certain dental conditions can and will be missed. X-Ray's detect much more than cavities. For example, X-Rays may be needed to survey erupting teeth, diagnose bone diseases, evaluate the results of an injury, or plan orthodontic treatment. X-Rays allow dentists to diagnose and treat health conditions that cannot be detected during a clinical examination.

Chiropractors take x-rays to reveal the internal structure and alignment of the spine. Chiropractic x-rays are taken while the patient is upright and bearing weight, which is the position the body is in when it's not sleeping. This allows for a much better functional analysis of the spine and nerve system.

What is a "reasonable and customary" fee? http://www.ada.org/public/manage/insurance/index.asp

We take X-rays to reveal the alignment of your spine. We are also concerned about underlying disease processes such as degenerative disc and joint disease, arthritis, disc disorders, tumors, congenital anomalies, bone spurs, and spinal curvature. X-rays also provide a blueprint for correcting the spine back to a normally aligned position. The precise X-rays taken in our office are necessary to make the measurements used in the vectored analysis to correct spinal misalignments.

No, our equipment is state of the art and minimizes patient exposure. We use the most advanced digital X-ray technique. The office follows ADA guidelines as to the frequency of radiographs. X-rays are never automatically taken, the decision is based upon clinical experience. All our units have filters and we use the fastest film speed possible. Additionally, you will be covered with a lead apron decreasing your exposure to negligible levels.

A X-ray image or radiograph, is produced when a small amount of radiation passes through a body part and is recorded on film, video or computer to produce a black-and-white anatomical image. Areas that are difficult for X-rays to penetrate, such as bone, appear white on the X-ray film. Areas that the X-rays penetrate easily, such as the lungs and other areas filled with air, appear black. Soft tissues, vessels and organs appear as shades of gray on the image depending on their density.

You will be asked to wait while we check your films to make sure they are of good diagnostic quality. For some exams we also have the radiologist check your films before you leave. This should only take a few minutes. Occasionally the radiologist will request additional films to be taken while you are here.

You could, but you would be in violation of the statute. During the course of a radiographic procedure, unlicensed individuals may not perform any of the following acts: position patients or the x-ray tube, set technical factors or initiate the exposure. Uncertified individuals may not perform any of the above tasks while providing assistance with a radiographic procedure. Rule R12-2-101.1.

Yes, it is very likely you will undergo new x-rays because Dr. DiGioia and Dr. Stanley prefers special views that will help with your evaluation.

X-rays films only show the bone anatomy and are produced by shooting X-ray beams through your body. Most disc pathology will be shown with an MRI scan followed by a discogram. The MRI scan shows the soft tissue and the MRI is not an X-ray. The MRI scan works because it is a big magnet and you are in it as a magnetic field is created around your body. The magnetic field changes the position of the electrons in the hydrogen atoms of the water that makes up your body.

X-rays are used in dental offices to evaluate the health of the jaws and supporting structures of the teeth, as well as to check for cavities between the teeth. All x-ray film that we use is very high speed, requiring a minimal x-ray dose, and utilizes a collumnated beam, only passing through the jaws and teeth. The patient is draped with a lead shield to minimize any scatter exposure.