A trip to the family dentists office doesn’t have to be a painful experience, especially when it’s for preventive care. According to the American Dental Association, 60% of adults visited the dentist last year. Many of those visits included dental X-rays to help detect any potential problems that should be addressed. Here’s a closer look at the importance of dental X-rays.
How Dental X-Rays Work
The X-ray unit is mounted to a moveable arm that enables the staff to position it right next to your mouth and take a series of photos that provide the dentist with a complete view of your teeth and gums. The process takes just a few minutes and uses a very small amount of radiation. These photos enable the dentist to more accurately see and diagnose what’s going on inside your teeth and gums.
Common Types of X-Rays
Dental X-rays require the use of a sensor or a film that enables them to pinpoint a section of your teeth and gums. An intraoral X-ray commonly is used and places the sensor or film inside your mouth. Your dentist also might use an extraoral X-ray that places the sensor or film outside your mouth. Both methods enable the professional to get a good look at any problem areas.
Your family dentists office likely has used the bitewing X-ray, which is a somewhat uncomfortable film or sensor that has a horizontal piece that you bite on while a flatter piece is situated at right angles to show the upper and lower teeth. Periapical X-rays are another type that’s used to check for gum disease, tooth decay, or bone loss. An occlusal X-ray detects problems with the roof or floor of your mouth, which can identify damaged teeth and their roots.
Why You Need Dental X-Rays
They are critically important for giving your dentist a thorough look at what is going on beneath the surface of your teeth and gums. A professional can use them to determine which types of dental work might be required, including root canals, crowns, and tooth extractions. They also help to provide a history of your oral health that other dentists might use.
Give us a call today to schedule an appointment to get X-rays and a routine checkup. We’d be happy to answer any questions you may have as well. We want to ensure your teeth and gums are in their best possible condition.