Douglas County Dental Clinic

Dental X-rays are necessary in order to make a proper diagnosis of any oral health problems you may be having. The three types of X-rays we take here at the Douglas County Dental Clinic are bitewing X-rays, periapical (also called PA) X-rays, and panoramic X-rays.

Bitewing X-rays - Bitewing X-rays highlight the crowns of the teeth. On each radiograph, the upper and lower teeth in one portion of the mouth are shown, from the crown to about the level of the jaw. Bitewing X-rays are primarily used to diagnose decay between the teeth.

Periapical X-rays - Periapical (PA) X-rays highlight the entire tooth. On each radiograph, the teeth from either the upper or lower jaw in one portion of the mouth are shown. The difference from bitewings is that in a periapical X-ray, the whole tooth is shown, from the crown down past the end of the root to the part of the jaw where the tooth is anchored. Periapical X-rays are primarily used to diagnose infection.

Panoramic X-rays - Panoramic X-rays show the entire mouth area - all teeth on both upper and lower jaws - on a single X-ray. This type of X-ray requires a special panoramic X-ray machine. The tube head that emits the X-rays circles behind the patient's head, while the film simultaneously circles across the front. That way, the full, broad view of the jaws is captured on one film. Because the machine moves in a set path, the patient has to be positioned very carefully. And, because the beam and the film are both moving, any movement from the patient will blur the image on the screen. That's why such care is taken to keep the patient's head absolutely still in exactly the right position. The machines may have chin rests, forehead rests, and side head positioners, plus bite-blocks that patients will be asked to close their teeth around. All this may look and feel intimidating, but the process is very safe and often uses less radiation than intraoral radiographs. Panoramic X-rays are primarily used to diagnose boney lesions and evaluate wisdom teeth.

One of our part time employees, Steve, has been writing lyrics for a Douglas County Dental Clinic rap song. Here's what he came up with:

Got an ache?
Did your tooth break?
Need a dentist or hygienist?
No insurance?
We're assurance!
We take Medicaid! 
Your dental needs should not be delayed!

Cheryl and Kelly,
They're on our team...
Leticia and Holly,
They'll make your teeth gleam!
We'll complete your filling,
And clean your teeth...
If you're willing!

We'll look at every tooth,
For both adults and youth...
We'll get you out of pain,
That makes you go INSANE!

Douglas County Dental Clinic!
We're here to help,
Don't be a cynic!

-Steve

The Douglas County Dental Clinic and the Access to Baby and Child Dentistry program would like to remind parents that children with Kansas Medicaid / HealthWave are always welcome at the dental clinic! 

The medical card pays for most dental services for children ages 0-18 and ABCD provides the following services:

Case Management
Referrals To Pediatric Dentists
Transportation To Appointments
Childcare During Appointments
Spanish Interpreting
Oral Health Education
Free Toothbrushes And Toothpaste

The Douglas County Dental Clinic recommends that children start seeing the dentist once they turn a year old.  Initial visits to the dentist will be “happy visits” where the dentist will do a visual exam to look for any obvious signs of decay, provide oral health education, and provide a free toothbrush.  If any problems are noted, the dental clinic will provide referrals to pediatric dentists in the area that also accept Medicaid / HealthWave.

Please call the Douglas County Dental Clinic at 785-312-7770 with any questions you may have about Access to Baby and Child Dentistry!