What is the difference between these x-rays and the ones the dentist takes?
Why is this imaging important?
How is the cost of this procedure determined?
How and when will my doctor get the results?
Will I need to come back again?
Are these imaging procedures safe?
1.) Do I have to schedule an appointment?
We ask that you please call the office of your choice to schedule an appointment to help prevent long wait times both for you and other patients. We want to be able to give you our undivided attention when you come to visit us to ensure we can provide you and your doctor with the highest quality services possible. Different locations are open at different times and some locations are busier than others. We will do our best to work with your schedule and ours to make your visit as convenient as possible.
2.) What is the difference between these x-rays and the ones the dentist takes?
Diagnostic Digital Imaging is a group of dental imaging specialists. Since opening our doors in 1995, our primary focus has been providing the most superior dental imaging available to our referring doctors. Because imaging is our specialty we are able to continuously upgrade our machines to provide your doctor with the most advanced imaging technology available. Besides conventional dental x-rays, we provide a variety of procedures that are not readily available outside a dental imaging lab, including a Cone Beam Volume Scan. This new technology provides 3D visualization of your maxillofacial anatomy. This includes panoramic views, various skull views, color photographs, and a number of other specialized views tailored to your doctors’ specific needs.
The primary difference is in the area of interest, and the amount of data obtained from each image. Often your general dentist is most interested in the crowns of the teeth and is looking for cavities that need attention. The x-ray equipment your dentist has in their office is developed specifically for this purpose. Specialists on the other hand, are more interested in the roots of the teeth, the bone supporting the teeth, and other maxillofacial structures such as the temporo-mandibular joint and sinuses.
3.)	Why is this imaging important?
X-rays, photographs and scans are an important part of your diagnosis and treatment. Weather you are receiving orthodontic, prosthodontic, or periodontal treatment, or are considering oral surgery, these records help your doctor to visualize parts of your anatomy that can’t be seen by the naked eye. The images will show a two or three dimensional view of the bones in the jaw and face, the roots of the teeth, and many other hard tissue structures. The photographs show soft tissue aspects of the patient’s anatomy that can’t be visualized in the x-rays. Together, they provide part of what your doctor needs to properly diagnose and treat you. These records, combined with your personal health history, study models, and your doctor’s expertise, help assure that you receive proper care and follow up.
4.)	How is the cost of this procedure determined?
The cost of your visit will depend upon the images that your doctor has requested for you. When you call to schedule your appointment, be sure to read what your doctor specified on your referral slip to our staff. We will do our best to give you an accurate fee estimate based on the information you provide us with.
5.)	Will you bill my insurance?
We are an imaging facility, and unlike your doctor’s office, we are not insurance providers; therefore, insurance companies do not pay us directly for services unless your doctor has obtained a written authorization through your medical insurance for out-of-network imaging services. It is for this reason that we ask that our services be paid for in full at the time of your visit. We will be glad to send a claim to your insurance carrier on your behalf as a courtesy to you. They will reimburse you directly for any services that they are willing to cover. Please contact your insurance carrier for coverage information.
6.) How and when will my doctor get the results?
In most cases, when you are dismissed from our lab, your records are only partially complete. Photographs are processed and printed; some x-rays are mounted and labeled while others need a computer analysis and work up performed on them. After putting the finishing touches on your images, all of your digital data is burned onto a cd for your doctors’ convenience. Sometimes your doctor will request that your records be evaluated by a maxillofacial radiologist. We will try to give you our best time estimate when you come in for your imaging.
7.) Will I need to come back again?
All images will be processed and checked before you are dismissed from the lab. This ensures that all procedures have been done correctly and takes only a few minutes. Depending on your stage of treatment, your doctor may request additional films after reviewing the records and evaluating your progress. If your doctor does not discuss what records will normally be required during treatment, be sure to ask him or her for clarification.
8.) Are these imaging procedures safe?
Your doctor has decided that the benefit of having these images taken far outweighs the risk. While dental imaging involves very low doses of radiation, there are several things that we do to further reduce the dose. These include using the latest imaging technology available as well as ensuring proper shielding techniques and maintenance of equipment. Above all, every imaging procedure will be performed by competent and well experienced licensed personnel. We sincerely believe that no office or lab can provide you with a safer set of images.
We can export CBCT in DICOM format for 3rd party software viewers.
We have a free interactive viewer per your request for our CBCT scans.
A copy of the images will be on a CD and are in either PDF or JPEG format for easy management.
Images can be printed on 12 bit grey scale medical grade paper or film.