Dental X-rays are becoming more and more common these days as they help both dentists and patients understand their actual problems and how to solve them. Knowing the benefits of a dental X-ray is very important if you are facing a dental issue; you should also know when it is needed so that you do not waste your money by doing it again and again. Thornton family dentistry specializes in providing the best knowledge about dental X-ray types, it is their benefits, and the correct time to get it done. Therefore, make sure you consider a dental visit.
Understanding The Dental X-rays
To properly understand the benefits and uses of dental X-rays, you need to know what exactly they are. Dental X-rays are also known as radiographs, which are the images of teeth and their surrounding tissues. They use a little bit of radiation so they can see the inside of our teeth and the tissues. These images help dentists detect problems with their teeth. The X-ray machine shoots a controlled burst of radiation in your teeth, and then it captures the image on the digital sensor or a special film.
There are various types of dental X-rays, some of which are given below.
- Bitewing X-rays show the paperback and lower back of the teeth, and these types are used for spotting decay and fit of the dental crowns.
- Periapical X-rays show the entire tooth, and they are used to determine the issues in the gum and jaw.
- Panoramic X-rays show the entire mouth, from teeth to roots to jaw. They are used before fitting the braces or dental implants.
- Occlusal X-rays show the roof and the floor of the mouth for any extra teeth or roots.
Benefits of Dental X-Rays
Dental X-rays are usually beneficial for both dentists and patients as they can determine the exact problem with their teeth and also its solution.
- One of the most common and primary benefits of dental X-ray is that it detects tooth decay with complete precision. Early detection of decay greatly helps the dentist as the early decay signs can be cured very easily. Professionals will also make sure to stop it from spreading so that your teeth stay strong.
- Late detection of gum diseases or periodontal diseases will be very harmful to the patient’s oral health, and dental X-rays make sure that they are detected in the first stage, so the dentists try their best to resolve them completely. X-rays also show bone loss around your teeth, and if this condition is detected early, dentists will create an effective treatment plan for this condition.
For minors, dental X-rays help professionals monitor and keep track of the growth and development of teeth and jaws. This X-ray will make sure that the teeth are developing correctly, and if not, dentists will prevent any issues from arising.
When Do You Need Dental X-ray?
It is not always necessary to do it every time you visit a clinic, but in some exceptional situations that depend on your age and oral health, you need to perform it frequently.
- The frequency of X-rays during routine checkups varies from person to person. Adults should get X-rays every 2-3 years, depending on their oral health and conditions. Minors should do the X-rays every year to properly monitor their dental growth.
- Some people have permanent dental conditions, so they might need to do an X-ray more frequently than regular people. People suffering from cavities and gum diseases, especially those who smoke and are diabetic, should do an X-ray every month. That will ensure that their problems and conditions are detected early and that professionals work on them accordingly.
Contact Your Dentist Today!
The professional dentist would know the checkup frequency, and he will advise you when you should get your X-ray and what to do with it. Stay in constant contact with your dentist and stay healthy.
