Staying up to date with the latest technology makes all the difference in the world in the field of dentistry. Dr. Nawrocki takes advantage of the latest diagnostic instruments to perform truly comprehensive examinations that can capture even the smallest signs of oral health issues and assist in the planning of more complex procedures. You can review this page to learn more about our technology before calling us for an appointment.
Digital X-rays
X-rays are essential for diagnosing dental concerns and revealing information that may not be visible to the naked eye during a routine examination. At Nawrocki Dental, our team has invested in digital radiography that offers several valuable benefits over the traditional film method. This technology relies on a high-tech electronic sensor to capture the digital images of your smile and enlarge them for easy, immediate viewing.
The use of digital X-rays may reveal the following concerns:
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Bone loss
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Tumors (non-cancerous or cancerous in nature)
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Improper tooth and/or root positioning
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Problems that exist within the tooth out below the gum line out of sight
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Cysts/abscesses
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Developmental defects
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Decay that’s located between teeth
Digital X-ray Frequently Asked Questions
Are Digital X-Rays Safe?
While radiation is a necessary component of X-ray capture, digital radiography reduces this exposure by up to 80-90%, which is better for the patient’s health and safety here in Cocoa Beach. Additionally, the process is faster, more comfortable, and doesn’t require the use of hazardous chemicals. Our team will still take all the necessary precautions during the process, including covering the patient’s body with a lead apron shield.
How Often Do I Need to Have Dental X-Rays Taken?
Dr. Gary Nawrocki’s recommendation for new X-rays will depend on the patient’s personal health and needs. Some common components we take into account when making this decision include your current signs and symptoms, the results of your last dental exam, your age, and your overall dental and medical history. Typically, new patients will have a full mouth series of X-rays captured, which are then used for the next three to five years. Bite-wing X-rays (X-rays that capture the top and bottom teeth as they meet in a bite) are needed once or twice each year, and they’re a valuable indicator of new dental problems that may have arisen since your last visit.
If you’re overdue for an appointment, don’t hesitate to contact us today! Our Cocoa Beach, FL dental office is open to patients from Merritt Island, FL and other surrounding locations.
CT Imaging
At their root, CAT scans are an involved X-ray procedure that utilizes several different images and angles to create a three-dimensional view of structures within the patient’s body. Recently, dentists like Dr. Nawrocki have begun to utilize this revolutionary technology in order to provide themselves with a more detailed view of the mouth and skull. 3D imaging provides a greater amount of detailed information than traditional two-dimensional X-rays, revealing bone density, tissues, and even the placement of certain nerves clearly.
i-CAT® scans are most commonly used in conjunction with the surgical placement of dental implants, significantly speeding up treatment planning while maintaining a high degree of accuracy.
i-Cat® Scan Frequently Asked Questions
How Does Nawrocki Dental use i-CAT® scans?
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We can determine where your facial nerves are located.
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We can diagnose tumors and concerning signs of disease as soon as they appear.
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We can pinpoint the precise location of future implants.
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We can plan surgical procedures far in advance from beginning to end.
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We can assess your jawbone and determine its quality.
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We can measure the density of the jawbone in certain areas.
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We can view the exact positioning of each natural tooth.
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We can more clearly view teeth that are partially or fully impacted.
How Do You Take an i-CAT® Scan?
It’s simple – the patient will sit in a designated area while the technology captures hundreds of pictures of their face, stitching them together to create a fully accurate 3D image that can be enhanced and approached from different angles. Most patients say that the process is very comfortable, and the scanner’s open environment doesn’t cause any claustrophobic sensations.
Panoramic Imaging
Panoramic X-rays are essentially wraparound images of the patient’s face and teeth, offering views that just aren’t possible with the naked eye. Our state-of-the-art technology here in Cocoa Beach, FL is designed to wrap around the outside of the head, making the capturing process simple and easy.
Unlike bitewing X-rays, Dr. Nawrocki will typically only capture panoramic images when needed. In particular, their versatile nature is useful when a patient is in extreme pain or experiencing problems that may be caused by the sinuses.
Panoramic Imaging Frequently Asked Questions
What Do You Use Panoramic X-Rays For?
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To expose teeth that are partially or fully impacted.
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To plan involved treatments, such as dental implants or dentures.
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To reveal the location of tooth decay and/or periodontal disease.
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To expose oral abnormalities like cysts.
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To evaluate the causes of a patient’s TMJ disorder.
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To expose the location of jawbone fractures.
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To accurately assess the oral health of patients who suffer from an extremely sensitive gag reflex.
How Do You Capture Panoramic X-Rays?
Our state-of-the-art equipment consists of a mechanical arm that holds the X-ray generator and a mobile attachment that contains the pictures themselves. The patient is directed to stand between these devices, and the generator will slowly rotate around them, taking pictures as often as possible. The positioning of the person’s head and body is important, as this determines how clear the X-rays will be. Our Cocoa Beach, FL team will magnify the X-rays by up to 30% in order to locate and diagnose even the smallest details.
