Dental X-Rays
Dentists use a teeth x-ray for identifying issues that may not be apparent on the surface. It comes in various types, which can detect different underlying problems timely. This saves patients their money, time, and even life.
What are Dental X-Rays?
Dental x-rays are images of your teeth that your dentist uses to assess your oral health. Low-level radiation x-rays are used to acquire images of the interior of your teeth and gums. This can assist your dentist in detecting issues such as cavities, dental decay, impacted teeth, and other underlying dental problems.
Although it appears to be complicated, they are relatively common and are just as vital as teeth cleanings. While taking an x-ray of your mouth, your dentist will ensure that you are comfortable and safe.
Why are Teeth X-Rays Important?
Getting an x-ray at the dentist’s office may not be anyone’s favorite thing to do. It’s not comfortable to wear that hefty apron and hold a sometimes-painful instrument between your teeth for even a few seconds.
A teeth x-ray, however, can reveal a great deal to dental professionals. This allows them to assess the health of your teeth, roots, jaw, and facial bone structure. They also assist them in detecting and treating tooth issues early on in their development.
It can assist in detecting issues that are not visible during an oral examination. Early detection and treatment of problems can help you save money, minimize discomfort (if problems are handled later), and possibly even save your life.
How Often do you Need Dental X-Rays?
Dentists used to recommend yearly x-rays all the time. However, the American Dental Association (ADA) now recommends that healthy people with no obvious dental concerns only undergo x-rays every 2-3 years.
Your dentist will most likely recommend you take teeth x-ray now and then if your mouth is healthy and free of problems like gum disease and tooth decay. However, if you have oral health issues, you may need to get your mouth x-rayed more frequently.
Types of Dental X-Rays
There are different types that can help in diagnosing a range of oral health issues. Typically, there are two basic types of teeth x-rays: therapeutic and diagnostic x-rays.
Therapeutic x-rays are normally taken as part of a routine dental visit that includes an oral exam and teeth cleaning. The goal of this sort of x-ray is to give your dentist a comprehensive image of your teeth and mouth, allowing them to check for any indicators of oral health problems that need to be investigated further.
Digital radiography is used in many dental offices to obtain panoramic x-rays, which provide your dentist with a comprehensive image of your teeth. Multiple bitewing x-rays may be used in some dental practices. The dentist will be able to see many of your teeth via each bitewing.
On the other hand, diagnostic x-rays are frequently required when a more extensive dental procedure is planned. Your dentist may take a periapical diagnostic x-ray if you are undergoing a root canal, for example. This form of dental x-ray is designed to obtain a complete image of the entire tooth, from the top (crown) to the bottom (root).
Additional diagnostic x-rays may be required to photograph the tooth and surrounding areas and plan your treatment accordingly if you are having any type of dental procedure, such as a root canal, dental implant, or even a filling.
To learn about our dental x-ray cost or if you need to book emergency dental x-rays, please contact us today.