Mark Simmons D.D.S. Now Offers Panoramic Digital X-Rays At His La Vernia Dentist Office

La Vernia, TX — Dr. Mark A. Simmons, D.D.S. now has a panoramic digital x-ray system for his office, upgrading his La Vernia dental practice to make it one of the most state-of-the-art in the San Antonio area.

Dental radiographs, or x-rays, are one of the primary diagnostic tools used in modern dental medicine. Dentists like Dr. Simmons rely on the pictures produced by radiograph machines to spot abnormalities and defects in the teeth and jaw and to assist in planning for cosmetic dental and corrective dental treatments.

The invention of traditional x-ray technology greatly enhanced the effectiveness of dental interventions, but film-based radiography is not without its drawbacks. Large amounts of radiation are necessary to produce film-based x-rays, and the pictures that they produce show the teeth and jaws in limited detail. Standard x-ray images also take a longer amount time to develop, delaying appointments in dental practices.

When asked how his new x-ray machine compared to his previous one, Dr. Simmons explained, "By replacing my film-based dental radiography equipment with panoramic digital x-ray technology, I am now able to see my patients' mouths in vibrant detail instantly. Not only does this allow me to offer a higher standard of patient care, but it also makes for shorter appointments and results in less radiation exposure."

Dr. Simmons is now using his practice's panoramic digital x-ray equipment as a part of nearly all appointments and procedures. The x-rays are used to determine the underlying causes of tooth and jaw pain, spot developing problems in the teeth, and fit patients for dental implants, bridges, crowns, and dentures. The digital x-ray also helps locate nerves that are not in the average place, minimizing the number of injections needed and time spent in-chair for any numbing take effect.

The high-resolution images produced with the radiography system can show evidence of problems sooner than traditional x-rays. As Dr. Simmons describes, "With the new technology, I can find cavities and fractures in the teeth when they first form. I cannot usually find these unless they are huge on a panoramic radiograph. Often, this means that treatments can begin before patients even develop discomfort or sensitivity. Even in the case of patients with healthy teeth, the panoramic digital x-rays produce clearer images to serve as a baseline for ongoing monitoring."

About Dr. Mark A. Simmons D.D.S.
Dr. Mark A. Simmons D.D.S. graduated from St. Mary's University in San Antonio with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Biology in 1978 and from the University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio with a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree in 1984. In 1985, Dr. Simmons established a private dental practice in Southeast San Antonio and later opened a second location in La Vernia in 2006. As of January 2013, Dr. Simmons had consolidated his practice and now operates solely from La Vernia. At his practice, Dr. Simmons offers general dentistry, family dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, and periodontal services. He has been named one of the top San Antonio dentists by his colleagues in "Texas Monthly" magazine on numerous occasions and has been identified as one of the top dentists in San Antonio in "SA Monthly" magazine for several consecutive years.

The La Vernia dental practice is currently accepting new patients. Those interested in learning more can visit the website at drmarksimmons.com