CEREC stands for “Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics” and is a computer-aided design and manufacturing system for dentists. CEREC combines a camera, computer, and milling instrument into one machine allowing tooth restorations to be created in the dentist office, all within a single visit.

Not only does this eliminate both the long process of sending your tooth mold to an outside lab and living with a temporary crown, hundreds of studies show that the CEREC system is a safer and more effective way to restore your teeth than traditional methods.

The CEREC system is used to fix damaged or unsightly teeth. Whether you’re looking for a more radiant smile, or you’re teeth are decaying and need to be repaired, CEREC can help.

How CEREC works

CEREC uses advanced computer-aided design technology and software to create perfect, natural-looking restorations in just minutes. Thanks to this technology, visiting your dentist for a tooth restoration is a simple and non-invasive procedure.

Here’s how it works:

Your dentist will prepare your tooth for the restoration
The CEREC software takes a digital photo of the treatment area
The CEREC technology converts the image into a 3D virtual model
With input from the dentist, the software creates the final restoration
The CEREC mill precisely carves a ceramic block into the exact shape and specifications of your restoration
Once the dentist has ensured the restoration fits properly in your mouth, the restoration is polished and bonded to your tooth

This entire process takes no longer than 2 hours!

If you have any questions or would like to schedule an introductory visit, please give our office a call at: (559) 637-0123.

Oral Cancer Screening in Reedley, CA

Oral cancer screening is an examination performed by a dentist or doctor to look for signs of cancer or precancerous conditions in your mouth.

The goal of oral cancer screening is to identify mouth cancer early, when there is a greater chance for a cure.

Most dentists perform an examination of your mouth during a routine dental visit to screen for oral cancer. Some dentists may use additional tests to aid in identifying areas of abnormal cells in your mouth.

Medical organizations disagree on whether healthy people without risk factors for mouth cancer need oral cancer screening. No single oral exam or oral cancer screening test is proved to reduce the risk of dying of oral cancer. Still, you and your dentist may decide that an oral exam or a special test is right for you based on your risk factors.

Why it’s done

The goal of oral cancer screening is to detect mouth cancer or precancerous lesions that may lead to mouth cancer at an early stage — when cancer or lesions are easiest to remove and most likely to be cured.

But no studies have proved that oral cancer screening saves lives, so not all organizations agree about the benefits of an oral exam for oral cancer screening. Some groups recommend screening, while others don’t.

People with a high risk of oral cancer may be more likely to benefit from oral cancer screening, though studies haven’t clearly proved that. Factors that can increase the risk of oral cancer include:

Tobacco use of any kind, including cigarettes, cigars, pipes, chewing tobacco and snuff, among others
Heavy alcohol use
Previous oral cancer diagnosis
History of significant sun exposure, which increases the risk of lip cancer

Regular oral cancer screenings in Reedley, CA are an important part of maintaining overall oral health. During an oral examination, your dentist can evaluate the mouth, gums, tongue, cheeks, and other oral tissues for unusual changes that may require further evaluation. Screening may be included as part of a routine dental examination based on your individual needs.

If you notice a persistent sore, unusual lump, unexplained changes in the mouth, or another concern that does not resolve, it is important to discuss it with a dental professional. An oral cancer screening does not replace a diagnostic evaluation when a suspicious area is identified, but it can be an important part of routine dental care.

Maintaining regular dental hygiene and cleanings can help your dental team monitor changes in your oral health over time. Patients can also learn more about preventative dental care and routine examinations as part of a comprehensive approach to maintaining healthy teeth, gums, and oral tissues.

Ask Reedley Family Dental whether oral cancer screening is appropriate for you. Also ask about ways you can reduce your risk of oral cancer, such as quitting smoking and not drinking alcohol.

Rotary Endodontics in Reedley, CA

Root canal treatment, also called endodontic therapy, is necessary when the pulp of the tooth is infected following significant caries, cracks in the enamel or a trauma (shock). If the inflamed or infected pulp is left untreated, it can cause pain or lead to an abscess. This treatment involves the removal of the infected pulp, the disinfection, and the filling and sealing of the root canal system. The tooth is then restored with a permanent filling or a crown.

To clean the inside of the tooth, we use the combination of a mechanical method (instruments that remove the debris inside the pulp chamber and root canals) and a chemical method (desinfecting solution injected into the tooth to kill bacteria).

To remove the pulp from the root canals (mechanical method), the dentist uses precision instruments (endodontic files). These can be traditional manual files or electrically-powered instruments (rotary endodontic instruments).

If you are looking for rotary endodontics in Reedley, CA, this technology can be used as part of modern root canal treatment to help clean and shape the inside of an infected or damaged tooth. Rotary instruments are designed to efficiently prepare the root canal system while your dentist works to remove infected tissue and prepare the tooth for restoration.

Rotary endodontic treatment may be recommended when a tooth has deep decay, an infection, or damage affecting the dental pulp. If root canal treatment is needed, you can learn more about our root canal treatment and the options available for preserving a natural tooth.

After endodontic treatment, the tooth may require additional protection depending on its condition. A dental crown can be considered when a tooth needs additional structural support. For cases involving persistent infection around the root after previous treatment, an apicoectomy may be considered following an appropriate dental evaluation.

Your dentist will determine the most appropriate endodontic treatment based on your tooth, symptoms, and overall oral health.

Advantages of rotary endodontics

Rotary endodontic methods offer several advantages over manual root canal treatments:

Faster treatment (often in one appointment);
Patients feel much more comfortable during the treatment;
More reliable;
No unpleasant noises;
More precision (the flexibility of instruments allows a better negotiation of curved canals);
Higher quality treatments (more consistent).

Intraoral Camera in Reedley, CA

The short answer is that an intraoral camera is a tool our dentist at Reedley Family Dental uses to examine your mouth in as detailed a way as possible. The instrument, which may look like an oversized pen, has a camera that takes high-resolution footage or images of a patient’s mouth and shows the visuals real-time on a monitor—they’re like high-tech versions of the hand mirrors you see in your dentist’s practice.

Benefits the dentist.

Intraoral cameras have incredible technological features. With LED lighting, a head that rotates from 0 to 90 degrees, and powerful magnifying capabilities (some cameras can zoom in up to 100x), our dentist can examine your mouth in extreme detail. This means he or she can make diagnoses more accurately. The office can attach these photos to your health record to make tracking any changes simple. Additionally, because the visuals from the intraoral camera appear on the monitor as they’re taken, our dentist can discuss your oral health with you while you both see the images or footage.

Benefits the patient.

Each feature that benefits the dentist also benefits the patient—maybe even more. Our dentist understands symptoms and conditions thoroughly, but it’s often difficult to explain precisely what is happening in a patient’s mouth using just a mouth mirror, which is small and hard to see, or an x-ray image, which takes time to print and doesn’t display images clearly.

If you are looking for an intraoral camera in Reedley, CA, this technology can help provide a closer view of your teeth, gums, and other areas inside the mouth. Unlike a traditional dental examination alone, an intraoral camera can capture detailed images that may help both the dental team and patient better understand areas of concern.

Intraoral images can be useful when evaluating tooth damage, discoloration, cracks, cavities, gum concerns, or changes that may require further examination. These images may also help when discussing treatment options such as dental crowns, composite fillings, or other restorative procedures.

For patients considering dental implants, intraoral imaging may also be part of the overall examination and treatment-planning process. Your dentist can determine which imaging and diagnostic methods are appropriate based on your individual oral health needs.

When our dentist uses an intraoral camera during your examination, however, you’re seeing exactly what he or she sees right then. Dentists can display clear, colorful images, allowing them to point out any issues and discuss them with you immediately. You’ll certainly learn a lot about your mouth! And the more you see and understand, the more confident you can be when making treatment decisions.

At Reedley Family Dental, we will print or email images for our patients so you can refer to them at home. Because these images are processed immediately, it saves you time.

Digital Dental X-Rays in Reedley, CA

Dental X-rays are an important diagnostic tool that allows dentists to examine areas of the teeth, roots, jawbone, and surrounding structures that may not be visible during a routine visual examination.

At Reedley Family Dental, we use digital dental X-rays in Reedley, CA as part of diagnostic and preventive dental care when imaging is appropriate for the patient’s individual needs.

Digital imaging can help your dental team evaluate areas between teeth, examine tooth roots and surrounding bone, assess certain dental problems, and gather additional information before treatment.

If you are searching for dental X-rays in Reedley, CA, our dental team can determine whether an X-ray or other type of dental imaging is appropriate based on your symptoms, dental history, examination findings, and treatment needs.

What Are Digital Dental X-Rays?

Digital dental X-rays use electronic sensors to capture images of the teeth and surrounding oral structures.

Unlike traditional film-based dental X-rays, digital images can be viewed electronically and incorporated into the diagnostic process.

Digital dental imaging can provide your dentist with information that may not be available from a visual examination alone.

Depending on the type of X-ray needed, imaging may help evaluate:

Areas between teeth
Tooth roots
Jawbone
Bone levels around teeth
Existing dental restorations
Areas of suspected decay
Possible infection
Teeth that have not fully erupted
Specific areas of dental concern

The type of X-ray recommended depends on what your dentist needs to evaluate.

Why Do Dentists Take Dental X-Rays?

A dental X-ray is not simply a routine photograph of your teeth.

It provides information about structures that cannot always be seen directly.

Your dentist may recommend dental X-rays to help:

Look for decay between teeth
Evaluate areas beneath or around existing restorations
Examine tooth roots
Evaluate bone levels around teeth
Investigate symptoms or a specific problem area
Evaluate developing or impacted teeth
Support treatment planning
Monitor certain existing dental conditions

Dental X-rays are therefore an important part of comprehensive dental diagnosis when clinically appropriate.

Digital X-Rays in Reedley, CA for New Patients

New patients may need dental imaging depending on their dental history and current oral health.

The appropriate X-rays can vary from patient to patient.

Your dentist may consider factors such as:

Your age
Dental history
Previous X-rays
Current symptoms
Existing restorations
Risk of dental decay
Gum and bone health
Whether a specific dental problem needs to be evaluated
Whether you are undergoing a particular type of treatment

Previous dental X-rays may sometimes be useful if they are available and appropriate for your current care.

Your dental team can determine which images are necessary rather than relying on a fixed schedule for every patient.

Bitewing X-Rays

Bitewing X-rays in Reedley, CA are commonly used to examine the crowns of the upper and lower teeth in a way that helps visualize areas between teeth.

These images can be useful when your dentist is evaluating for decay that may not be visible during a visual examination.

Bitewing imaging may also provide information about the bone levels around the teeth.

Your dentist will determine whether bitewing X-rays are appropriate based on your individual circumstances.

Full-Mouth Dental X-Rays

A full-mouth series may involve multiple images that provide a broader view of the teeth and surrounding structures.

A dentist may recommend more comprehensive imaging when a broader diagnostic evaluation is needed.

Whether a full-mouth series is appropriate depends on factors such as your dental history, previous imaging, symptoms, and current examination findings.

There is not one X-ray schedule that applies to every patient.

Dental X-Rays for Tooth Decay

Some cavities are difficult or impossible to identify through a visual examination alone.

This is especially true for decay that develops between teeth.

Dental X-rays can provide additional information that helps your dentist evaluate these areas.

However, X-rays are only one part of a dental examination.

Your dentist may combine imaging with a visual examination, clinical findings, symptoms, and dental history when evaluating possible decay.

If a cavity is diagnosed, treatment may include a tooth-colored filling or another restoration depending on the condition of the tooth.

Learn more about:

https://reedleyfamilydental.com/bonding-and-white-fillings/

Dental X-Rays and Gum Disease

Dental X-rays can also provide information about the bone supporting the teeth.

When gum disease is suspected, your dentist may evaluate the bone levels and other findings as part of a periodontal assessment.

X-rays do not replace a clinical gum examination.

Instead, they can provide additional diagnostic information that can be considered together with gum measurements, visible signs, symptoms, and dental history.

If periodontal treatment is recommended, Reedley Family Dental also provides scaling and root planing:

https://reedleyfamilydental.com/scaling-root-planing/

Dental X-Rays for Tooth Infection

When a tooth has symptoms such as persistent pain, sensitivity, swelling, or other concerning changes, dental imaging may help your dentist evaluate the tooth and surrounding structures.

An X-ray may provide information about the root and surrounding bone that cannot be seen directly.

Depending on the findings, additional treatment may be considered.

For teeth that may require endodontic treatment, learn more about:

https://reedleyfamilydental.com/root-canal/

Dental X-Rays Before Dental Treatment

Dental imaging may also be useful when planning certain procedures.

Depending on the treatment, your dentist may use X-rays to evaluate the tooth, roots, surrounding bone, or other structures before treatment.

For example, imaging may be considered when evaluating:

Dental implants
Tooth extractions
Wisdom teeth
Root canal treatment
Dental crowns
Bridges
Other restorative or surgical procedures

The type and amount of imaging depends on the procedure and the patient’s individual needs.

For dental implants, see:

https://reedleyfamilydental.com/dental-implants/

For wisdom teeth evaluation:

https://reedleyfamilydental.com/wisdom-teeth/

For dental extractions:

https://reedleyfamilydental.com/category/dental-service/extractions/

Dental X-Rays and Wisdom Teeth

Wisdom teeth can develop at different angles and positions.

Dental imaging can help your dentist evaluate the location and development of wisdom teeth, particularly when they are impacted or may not have enough room to erupt normally.

An X-ray may help provide information about:

Tooth position
Root development
Relationship to surrounding structures
Whether a tooth is impacted
The surrounding bone

If wisdom tooth removal is being considered, imaging can be an important part of the evaluation.

Learn more:

https://reedleyfamilydental.com/wisdom-teeth/

Digital X-Rays and Dental Implants

Dental imaging is an important part of planning many implant cases.

Your dentist may need to evaluate the available bone, neighboring teeth, and other anatomical structures before determining whether dental implant treatment is appropriate.

Additional imaging may sometimes be required depending on the complexity of the case.

Reedley Family Dental also offers other dental technology that may be considered when more detailed imaging is needed.

For dental implant treatment:

https://reedleyfamilydental.com/dental-implants/

Digital X-Rays vs. Traditional Film X-Rays

One advantage of digital dental imaging is that images can be captured and viewed electronically rather than using traditional dental film.

Digital systems can offer an efficient workflow for the dental office and allow images to be reviewed as part of the patient’s electronic dental records.

Digital X-rays are also commonly associated with lower radiation exposure than older film-based systems, although the exact exposure depends on the imaging system and examination.

The decision to take an X-ray should still be based on whether the diagnostic information is needed.

Are Dental X-Rays Safe?

Dental X-rays use ionizing radiation, so dentists consider the need for imaging before taking an X-ray.

Modern dental imaging systems are designed to use relatively low radiation doses, and dental professionals follow appropriate procedures to minimize unnecessary exposure.

The benefits of obtaining clinically useful diagnostic information should be considered against the exposure involved.

Your dentist will determine whether imaging is appropriate based on your individual situation.

If you are pregnant or may be pregnant, tell your dental team before an X-ray is taken so appropriate precautions can be considered.

How Often Do I Need Dental X-Rays?

There is no universal schedule that applies to every patient.

The appropriate frequency depends on factors such as:

Age
Oral health
Dental history
Risk of tooth decay
Gum health
Existing dental conditions
Symptoms
Previous X-rays
Current treatment needs

Some patients may require imaging more frequently because of specific dental concerns, while others may not need the same type of imaging at every appointment.

Your dentist can recommend the appropriate imaging schedule for you.

Do I Need X-Rays at Every Dental Cleaning?

Not necessarily.

A routine dental cleaning and a dental X-ray serve different purposes.

A cleaning focuses on removing plaque and tartar and maintaining oral hygiene.

An X-ray provides diagnostic information about structures that may not be visible during the cleaning or visual examination.

Your dentist will determine whether an X-ray is appropriate based on your dental history and current needs.

For routine dental hygiene and professional cleaning:

https://reedleyfamilydental.com/dental-hygiene/

What Happens During a Digital Dental X-Ray?

The process depends on the type of X-ray being taken.

In general, the dental team will:

Explain the imaging that is needed.
Position the digital sensor or equipment appropriately.
Ask you to remain still while the image is captured.
Review the resulting image.
Take additional images if necessary.
Use the images together with the clinical examination to support diagnosis or treatment planning.

The number and type of images depend on what your dentist needs to evaluate.

What Can Dental X-Rays Show?

Dental X-rays can provide information about structures that may not be visible during a routine visual examination.

Depending on the type of image, your dentist may be able to evaluate:

Decay between teeth
Tooth roots
Bone levels
Certain infections
Impacted teeth
Developing teeth
Existing restorations
Areas around dental implants
Other structures relevant to diagnosis

X-rays do not diagnose every dental problem by themselves.

They are one diagnostic tool used together with an examination and the patient’s symptoms and history.

Dental X-Rays for Children

Children may need dental X-rays as their teeth and jaws develop.

The need for imaging depends on the child’s age, dental development, risk of decay, symptoms, and other clinical considerations.

For example, an X-ray may be considered when the dentist needs to evaluate developing permanent teeth or areas that cannot be adequately examined visually.

Children are not automatically placed on the same imaging schedule as adults.

The dentist determines whether an X-ray is appropriate based on the child’s individual needs.

Dental X-Rays and Existing Dental Restorations

Patients with fillings, crowns, bridges, or other dental restorations may occasionally need X-rays to evaluate the surrounding teeth and structures.

Imaging can provide additional information when your dentist is investigating a new symptom or monitoring a particular area.

For dental crowns:

https://reedleyfamilydental.com/crowns/

For dental bridges:

https://reedleyfamilydental.com/bridges/

Digital X-Rays and Preventive Dental Care

Dental X-rays are one component of preventive and diagnostic dental care.

They work alongside:

Regular dental examinations
Professional teeth cleanings
Daily brushing
Cleaning between teeth
Periodontal evaluation
Appropriate restorative care
Other diagnostic procedures when necessary

A dental X-ray should not be viewed as a replacement for regular dental visits.

Instead, it provides your dental team with additional information when clinically appropriate.

When Should You Ask About a Dental X-Ray?

You should tell your dentist if you are experiencing symptoms such as:

Persistent tooth pain
Unexplained sensitivity
Swelling
Pain when biting
A damaged or broken tooth
Changes around an existing restoration
Symptoms associated with a wisdom tooth
Other changes that concern you

Your dentist can determine whether an X-ray or another diagnostic procedure may help evaluate the problem.

Frequently Asked Questions About Digital X-Rays

What are digital dental X-rays?

Digital dental X-rays use electronic sensors to create images of teeth and surrounding structures. They can help dentists evaluate areas that may not be visible during a normal visual examination.

Why would I need a dental X-ray?

X-rays may be recommended to evaluate decay between teeth, bone levels, tooth roots, impacted teeth, suspected infection, existing restorations, or a specific area of concern.

Are digital X-rays safe?

Dental X-rays involve radiation, so they should only be taken when clinically appropriate. Modern digital systems generally use relatively low radiation doses, and dental professionals take steps to minimize unnecessary exposure.

Do I need an X-ray at every dental visit?

No. The need for X-rays varies by patient. Your dentist will consider your age, dental history, symptoms, oral health, previous imaging, and current treatment needs.

Can X-rays detect cavities?

Dental X-rays can help identify certain cavities, particularly decay between teeth that may be difficult to see during a visual examination.

Can X-rays show gum disease?

X-rays can provide information about the bone supporting the teeth, which can be useful when evaluating periodontal health. They are used together with a clinical gum examination.

Can dental X-rays show an infection?

An X-ray may provide information about changes around the root of a tooth or surrounding bone that can be associated with certain infections. Your dentist will interpret the image together with your symptoms and clinical examination.

Do children need dental X-rays?

Some children need dental X-rays as their teeth and jaws develop, but the need and frequency depend on the child’s individual circumstances.

Can I get dental X-rays if I am pregnant?

Tell your dental team if you are pregnant or may be pregnant before an X-ray is taken. Your dentist can determine whether imaging is necessary and what precautions should be used.

How often should I have dental X-rays?

There is no fixed schedule that applies to everyone. Your dentist will recommend imaging based on your individual dental history, oral health, symptoms, and treatment needs.

Digital X-Ray in Reedley, CA

If you are looking for digital dental X-rays in Reedley, CA, Reedley Family Dental can evaluate your dental needs and determine whether diagnostic imaging is appropriate.

Our office is located at:

Reedley Family Dental
929 W Manning Ave.
Reedley, CA 93654

Phone: (559) 637-0123
Phone: (559) 637-9095

For more information or to schedule an appointment:

https://reedleyfamilydental.com/contact-us/

Dental X-rays are most useful when they are part of a complete dental evaluation. Our team can combine appropriate imaging with a clinical examination and your dental history to help determine the next step in your care.

Panorex X-Ray in Reedley, CA

Panoramic dental x-ray uses a very small dose of ionizing radiation to capture the entire mouth in one image. It is commonly performed by dentists and oral surgeons in everyday practice and may be used to plan treatment for dentures, braces, extractions, and implants.

This exam requires little to no special preparation. Tell your doctor if there is a possibility you are pregnant. Remove any jewelry, eyeglasses or metal objects that might interfere with the x-ray images. You will be asked to wear a lead apron to protect the rest of your body from any radiation exposure.

What are some common uses of the procedure?

A panoramic x-ray is a commonly performed examination by dentists and oral surgeons in everyday practice and is an important diagnostic tool. It covers a wider area than a conventional intraoral x-ray and, as a result, provides valuable information about the maxillary sinuses, tooth positioning, and other bone abnormalities. This examination is also used to plan treatment for full and partial dentures, braces, extractions, and implants.

A panoramic x-ray can also reveal dental and medical problems such as:

advanced periodontal disease
cysts in the jaw bones
jaw tumors and oral cancer
impacted teeth including wisdom teeth
jaw disorders (also known as temporomandibular joint or TMJ disorders)
sinusitis

What are the benefits vs. risks?

Benefits

No radiation remains in a patient’s body after an x-ray examination.
X-rays usually have no side effects in the typical diagnostic range for this exam.
Panoramic x-rays can be used for very young children since the film does not have to be placed inside the mouth.

Risks

Women should always inform their dentist or oral surgeon if there is any possibility that they are pregnant.

If you are looking for a Panorex X-ray in Reedley, CA, panoramic dental imaging can provide a broad view of the teeth, upper and lower jaws, and surrounding oral structures in a single image. This type of dental imaging can give your dentist additional information that may not be available from a standard visual examination alone.

A Panorex X-ray may be useful when evaluating developing or impacted teeth, jaw structures, tooth positioning, and other dental concerns. Panoramic imaging can also be helpful when planning certain treatments, including dental implants and orthodontic care such as traditional braces.

For patients who need a more detailed evaluation of a particular area, your dentist may recommend other forms of dental imaging, such as digital X-rays. The appropriate type of imaging will depend on your symptoms, oral health, and individual treatment needs.

CBCT Imaging in Reedley, CA

Dental cone beam computed tomography (CT) is a special type of x-ray equipment used when regular dental or facial x-rays are not sufficient. Our Dentist may use this technology to produce three dimensional (3-D) images of your teeth, soft tissues, nerve pathways and bone in a single scan.

This procedure requires little to no special preparation. Tell your doctor if there’s a possibility you are pregnant. Wear loose, comfortable clothing and leave jewelry at home. You may be asked to wear a gown.

What are some common uses of the procedure?

Dental cone beam CT is commonly used for treatment planning of orthodontic issues. It is also useful for more complex cases that involve:

surgical planning for impacted teeth.
diagnosing temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ).
accurate placement of dental implants.
evaluation of the jaw, sinuses, nerve canals and nasal cavity.
detecting, measuring and treating jaw tumors.
determining bone structure and tooth orientation.
locating the origin of pain or pathology.
cephalometric analysis.
reconstructive surgery.

At Reedley Family Dental, CBCT imaging provides detailed three-dimensional views that can help our dental team better evaluate teeth, jawbone, nerves, and surrounding structures when standard dental X-rays do not provide enough information. This advanced imaging technology can be particularly useful when planning complex dental procedures.

A CBCT scan may be recommended as part of treatment planning for dental implants, impacted teeth, orthodontic treatment, or other procedures that require a more detailed view of the jaw and tooth position. For patients considering Invisalign treatment, 3D imaging may also provide valuable information for evaluating tooth position and treatment planning.

If you need detailed dental imaging in Reedley, CA, our team can determine whether CBCT imaging is appropriate for your individual dental needs.