3D X-Rays and Digital Scanners Explained in Under 3 Minutes: Why Our Modern Tech Matters
Published June 3, 2026
At Salt Flats Dentistry, we know that most people don’t exactly jump for joy when it’s time to go to the dentist. We get it: traditional dental visits often mean mouthfuls of messy "goop," waiting weeks for crowns, and the anxiety of the unknown.
That’s why we’ve invested in the latest 3D X-rays and digital scanners. For you, this isn't just "cool gadgets": it means appointments that are twice as fast, treatments that are significantly more comfortable, and results that are incredibly precise.
Special Offer: New to the area? We are currently accepting new patients at all our locations and are highly insurance-friendly, including Medicaid. Book your high-tech consultation today!
Goodbye "Goop," Hello Digital Scanners
If you’ve ever had a crown or porcelain veneers done the old-fashioned way, you remember the "goop." You had to sit with a tray of cold, messy putty in your mouth for several minutes, praying you wouldn't gag.
At Salt Flats Dentistry, we’ve retired the putty. We use advanced intraoral digital scanners to take a "virtual impression" of your teeth.
- No Mess: Just a small, handheld wand that takes thousands of photos per second.
- Speed: A full scan of your mouth takes less than two minutes.
- Precision: These scans create a perfect 3D model of your teeth, ensuring your same day crowns or dentures fit perfectly the first time.
3D X-Rays (CBCT): Seeing the Full Picture
Standard 2D X-rays are great for finding cavities between teeth, but they don't show the whole story. To provide the best care as a family dentist in Salt Lake City, we use CBCT (3D) imaging.
Think of it like the difference between a flat map and a 3D globe. Our 3D X-rays allow us to see your bone structure, nerve pathways, and soft tissues in high definition. This is a game-changer for:
- Dental Implants Utah: We can plan the exact placement of all on 4 dental implants with sub-millimeter precision.
- Emergency Care: If you need an emergency dentist near me for a hidden tooth fracture or infection, 3D imaging finds it instantly.
- Safety: We can see exactly where your nerves are located, making extractions and surgeries safer than ever.
Why This Tech Matters for Your Busy Schedule
We know our patients in Riverton, Murray, and throughout the Salt Lake valley are busy. You don't have time for four different appointments to get one tooth fixed.
By combining digital scanning with our in-office Cerec technology, we can offer same day crowns. You walk in with a problem and walk out with a permanent, high-quality restoration in a single visit. No temporary crowns that fall off, and no second numbing appointment.
Meet Dr. Todd Vincent: Your Local Tech Expert
The heartbeat of Salt Flats Dentistry is Dr. Todd Vincent. Born and raised right here in Utah, Dr. Vincent is passionate about bringing "Big City" technology to our community with a small-town, neighborly feel.
After completing his rigorous dental training, Dr. Vincent dedicated himself to mastering digital dentistry because he saw how much it reduced patient anxiety. When he’s not in the office fine-tuning a digital smile design, you can usually find him hiking the Wasatch trails or spending time with his family. He’s a firm believer that dental care should be accessible, which is why he ensures we remain a top medicaid dentist in utah.
Real Stories: Overcoming Fear with Technology
"I haven't been to a dentist in ten years because I was terrified of the needles and those gross molds. When I broke a tooth, I searched for an emergency dentist near me and found Salt Flats. Dr. Vincent used the digital scanner: no goop!: and I was able to get a crown the same day. Plus, the sedation dentistry utah options helped me sleep right through it. I’m finally not afraid of the dentist anymore."
: Sarah M., Murray, UT
Frequently Asked Questions
Are 3D X-rays safe?
Yes! Digital 3D X-rays actually use significantly less radiation than traditional film X-rays and provide much more information, meaning fewer "retakes" are needed.
Does insurance cover digital scans?
Most insurance providers, including Medicaid, cover the diagnostic portion of your visit. Our team is expert at navigating insurance to ensure you get the maximum benefit for your dental implants utah or general care.
Can I get a same-day crown if I have an emergency?
Absolutely. As a leading dentist in Salt Lake City, we prioritize emergencies. If you have a broken tooth, we can often scan, mill, and place a crown in one afternoon.
Visit Us Today
Ready to experience dental care that actually fits your life? Whether you need a cosmetic dentist in salt lake city for a smile makeover or a reliable family dentist in salt lake city for the kids, we are here to help.
Salt Flats Dentistry - Locations & Hours
- Murray Office: 123 Dental Lane, Murray, UT | (801) 555-0101
- Riverton Office: 456 Smile Way, Riverton, UT | (801) 555-0202
- Hours: Mon–Fri: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM | Sat: By Appointment