If you’ve been to the dentist’s office for regular checkups, you’ve probably wondered why they need to take dental X-rays. Why does your dentist need to take an X-Ray when they simply look in your mouth to spot many issues? Dental X-rays are an important diagnostic tool that allows your dentist to take proactive steps to identify and treat oral problems before there is a significant issue or more permanent damage is caused. X-rays provide a complete image of the oral cavity including all 32 teeth down to the roots, gums, soft tissues, and supporting bone. They help your dentist detect abnormalities, structural irregularities, and places of decay that aren’t visible by just looking in your mouth sometimes. Below we list the importance of dental x-rays.
Dental X-Rays can assist with a better image of:
- Abscesses
- The placement of teeth to determine what kind of tooth implant, braces, or dentures are required
- Bone loss in the jaw due to periodontal disease
- Cysts and other types of tumors
- Decay beneath fillings
- Small areas of decay between teeth
How often do you need Dental X-Rays?
Oral Health varies from person to person. Some people who have recently been diagnosed with gum or dental disease might need X-rays every six months, while others who don’t have ongoing dental treatment may need to get an X-ray only once every couple of years. If you’re a new patient and haven’t gotten an X-ray done recently, your new dentist may recommend a panoramic X-ray to assess the state of your oral health.
Are Dental X-Rays Safe?
While dental X-rays do contain a small amount of radiation, there is little risk involved. Exposure levels are very low, and the procedure is considered safe for adults and children. As a safety precaution, your dentist will have you wear a leaded cover over vital organs to protect them from potential damage. According to Mouth Healthy by the American Dental Association, dental X-rays are perfectly safe.
However, inform your doctor if you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant. You should not have any X-rays taken during pregnancy, because no amount of radiation exposure is safe for developing fetuses.
The Different Types Of X-Rays
There are four different types of x-rays that dentists take of patients regularly in their offices. These x-rays differ based on which teeth we’re taking an image of, which mouth quadrant, and the angle of the images.
Panoramic
This is a dental X-Ray of the entire mouth. For this x-ray, the camera will rotate around the head. Dentists like to use this x-ray to see the growth and development of the teeth and jaw.
Bitewing
For this x-ray, a patient bites down on a special sheet of paper while the image is being taken. Dentists use the bitewing x-rays to see how the crowns of your teeth line up. This type of x-ray is helpful to see if there are any signs of cavities between your teeth too.
Intraoral-Periapical (PA)
This x-ray is used to take a closer look at your bicuspid and molars and allows us to see teeth from the crown to the root.
Occlusal
Occlusal dental x-rays focus on how your upper and lower teeth line up. These x-rays help to detect decay on the front teeth.
Hopefully, you have learned the importance of dental x-rays. As always, please speak to your dentist or your doctor with any concerns you have about them. They can work out the best route for your needs. If you want to learn more about X-Rays from the American Dental Associations please click here. Smiles of Round Lake is here to assist you with all your dental questions and concerns. Please feel free to email [email protected] or give us a call at 847-546-1542.