Why Are X-rays Necessary at the Dentist

What Are X-rays?

If you’ve never had an x-ray before, the thought of having one may feel overwhelming. The best way for dentists to understand what is happening with patients’ teeth is to diagnose and treat them properly with the aid of an x-ray. When undergoing this procedure, you will have tabs placed inside your mouth to get the relevant images while sitting in the dental chair. The x-ray travels through our mouth and records the target areas onto a screen. Your family dentist can then determine any issues you may be facing before undertaking a physical examination of your teeth. One of the patients’ primary concerns is the amount of radiation exposure they may get during the procedure. The exposure is minimal and completely safe.

Problems Dental X-Rays Can Detect

When your family dentist takes an x-ray of your teeth, they get a broad overview of what’s happening with your dental health. Some of the issues it may help diagnose include the following:

• Gum disease
• Tooth decay
• Decay beneath fillings
• Abscesses
• Whether developing teeth are present
• Wisdom teeth position
• Jawbone loss
• Changes to the root canal

For the tiniest people in our families, it’s a great option to determine:

• If there’s enough space for incoming teeth
• Developing decay
• Whether there are impacted teeth
• Wisdom teeth development.

Accurately diagnosing any of the above concerns will enable prompt treatment and less exploration.

Types of Dental X-rays

There are two x-ray types for affordable cosmetic dentistry and general dental care.

1. Intraoral: You’re most likely to have an intraoral x-ray. The inside of your mouth is filmed to show the details of your teeth, from the supporting bone to the exposed part of your tooth.

2. Extraoral: This type of x-ray takes place outside the mouth. They are less detailed than when taken inside the mouth and examine the face bones and the relationship between the jaw and teeth.

Are Dental X-rays Safe?

One of the primary concerns patients have is whether dental x-rays are safe. The radiation is relatively low and is considered safe for just about anyone. It is safe for pregnant women to undergo this treatment with a protective lead apron and collar.

How Often Do Patients Need Teeth X-rayed?

The regularity of x-rays varies for patients. Depending on your dental history and the current condition of your teeth will determine whether a patient needs to have x-rays taken every six months or so. For patients whose teeth and gums are in relatively good health, every couple of years is as frequent as this procedure is needed. You may need an x-ray at your first appointment if you’re a new patient. The following patients are those who are likely to need x-rays more often:

• People who consume sugary drinks
• Children, because their teeth and jaws are developing
• Adults who have had restorative work, e.g. fillings, crowns, veneers.
• People with gum disease
• Smokers
• Those who experience dry mouth.

Why Dentists Leave the Room While an X-ray is Taken

We understand a patient gets concerned about seeing their dentist or technician leave the room while undergoing an x-ray. Your dentist does this procedure several times daily, so they are more exposed than patients. This means they need to limit their time around radiation. If you’re concerned about getting an x-ray, speak with your dentist about your concerns.

Choose the Smile Designer for Best General & Cosmetic Dental Care

When you have issues with your teeth and gums, sometimes a visual exam doesn’t give your dentist enough answers. In these cases, x-rays will give your family dentist the information they need to treat you properly. If you think your teeth need treatment, contact the team at The Smile Designer or book an appointment online.