For many of our patients, the difference between digital X-rays and film x-rays may not even be noticeable. Overtime Dentistry has come a long way in making great advancements in dental care. One of the most significant advances in dental care is the use of digital x-ray imaging machines.

Dental X-rays are so important as they allow the dentist and orthodontist to find and diagnose cavities, bone loss, and other issues that may be affecting the patient’s teeth or oral health. At Town Square Dental, we believe in growing and evolving with technology. With this in mind our Pasadena, TX, office would welcome any new patients to come and see for themselves. For now, let’s take a look as to why digital x-rays are much better than film radiation.

Dental Digital X-Rays Are Safer with Less Radiation

Digital x-ray machine systems now use up to 70% less radiation than conventional film radiation. Because these require a much less level of radiation than traditional x-rays, that means that less exposure is being sent to our patients and a much safer experience for both the patient and dental professionals as seen in the office.

Faster X-Ray Images

Digital x-ray film is available for viewing as soon as the images taken, is it does not have to be developed like old film x-rays.

Clearer, Higher Quality Images

With the former way of taking x-rays, a dental radiologist needed to take several x-rays from different angles in order to create a composite image of the patient’s teeth. The final images were not as clear, as they offered only up to 25 shades of grey. Now the image is clear as digital x-rays can use up to 256 shades of grey. This allows for much greater detail and can be used on a computer to be enhanced and revealed with more information

If you’re interested in learning more about our office in the services we offer, feel free to give our Pasadena, TX, office a call or send us an email to set up a consultation appointment.

Unfortunately, sleep apnea in children is more common than many might think. It can greatly impact a child’s school life and daily activities. Similar to sleep apnea in adults, there are treatments for children. How does sleep apnea and obstructive sleep apnea manifest itself in children? What are some of the symptoms? Continue reading on to find the answers to these questions.

Physical symptoms include long pauses in breathing during sleep, loud snoring, excessive nighttime sweating, sleepiness in the day, headaches, and bedwetting.

Behavior/learning symptoms include moodiness, irritability, difficulty concentrating, and hyperactivity. Other consequences of OSA and sleep apnea may include insufficient growth hormones that affect development, the bodies way of using insulin, and a higher risk of developing lung and heart problems.

Which children are at risk of developing sleep apnea?

Children with enlarged tonsils or adenoids, those exposed to tobacco smoke, children with less muscle tone, obese children, and those with a genetic predisposition have an increased risk of developing sleep apnea.

How is sleep apnea or obstructive sleep apnea diagnosed in children?

Children need to undergo a sleep study to fully diagnose sleep apnea or OSA. This involves taping several sensors to the child’s body during their sleep to collect information. During the sleep study, the technician or doctor may monitor the following heart rate, brain waves, breathing, blood oxygen levels, sleep positions, and snoring.

How is sleep apnea and OSA treated in children?

Determining a treatment plan will first require figuring out what is causing the sleep apnea or OSA. It may require an appointment with an ENT specialist. A CPAP machine can also be beneficial or a change in diet and exercise. Contact Town Square Dental for more help with sleep apnea and OSA treatments.