Why Do You Need Dental X-Rays

If there is any dental issue in your teeth, like cracks or decay, the dentist can quickly identify them during an oral evaluation. When the dental issue is hidden between teeth or beneath the dental restoration, such issues can be detected through advanced dental technology like dental x-rays. 

How often do dentists use dental X-rays?

For patients with healthy teeth and gums, we would do four check-up x-rays known as bitewings once a year. These x-rays can help find out any potential dental problems at their earliest. They are proactive elements in fighting against oral problems like cavities, gum disease, or periodontitis.

If you have had dental problems in the past, you might have to take dental x-rays every time you go to the dentist. These are used to identify dental issues and monitor the progress of your past dental procedures.

Types of X-Rays

There are different types of x-rays, but the most common ones are Intraoral x-rays and Extraoral x-rays.

• Intraoral x-rays:

Intraoral x-rays are that which take the images inside the mouth. While using these x-rays, the dentist places a small sensor into your mouth to clench it between the teeth to capture the image.

Intraoral x-rays can be again classified into three primary types of x-rays, i.e., bitewing, which helps assess bone loss and tooth decay periapical to look into teeth roots and occlusal to keep in check the growth of new teeth.

• Extraoral x-rays:

Extraoral x-rays cover many x-rays, including panoramic x-rays, tomograms, CBCTs, digital imaging, or MRIs. The type of extraoral x-ray depends wholly on the decision of your dentist. They can help identify issues like tumors, impacted teeth, fractures, etc.

Are these digital x-rays safe?

Just like any other x-ray machine, dental x-rays also use radiation, but the amount of radiation used is very low. It isn't at all like the traditional x-rays that were highly unsafe. Now the whole process is safe and comfortable. Thanks to advancements made in dentistry!

Winning Smiles Dentistry, located in Glendale, AZ, and Phoenix, AZ, has expert dentists who offer patients the best dental care services. Dial (623) 777-7942 or (602) 691-6468 and schedule a consultation with the dentistry to know more about dental implants.