Dental X-rays aid in the early detection of problems with your mouth, teeth, gums, and jaw. You could save money, pain, and occasionally even your life by avoiding serious issues.

Dentists utilize low-radiation X-rays to take dental images of the interior and side view of your teeth and gums. This makes it simpler for the dentist to identify affected teeth, cavities, and tooth decay. Although teeth X-rays may seem complicated, they are routine treatments that are just as important as regular teeth cleanings.

Purpose of Teeth X-Rays

Perhaps the last thing on your list of favorite things is getting an X-ray at the dentist. Wearing that large apron while holding an occasionally uncomfortable tool between your teeth for even a brief period is not enjoyable.

However, X-rays provide dentists with a wealth of knowledge. Dentists can assess the condition of your teeth, roots, jawbone, and facial bone anatomy using X-rays. They also assist in the early identification and treatment of dental problems.

If you’re a new patient, you’ll probably have dental X-rays taken so that your new dentist can determine the state of your oral health and diagnose whether you have any cavities by looking at the cavity images. It is especially important if your previous dentist never took any X-rays.

Types of Dental X-Rays

Dental X-rays are available in multiple forms that reveal your mouth from a variety of views. The most often used intraoral X-rays include:

Bitewing

The dentist utilizes this approach, which involves biting down on a specific piece of paper to see how well your teeth’s crowns line up. This type of teeth X-ray assists in looking for cavities between teeth (interdental). Each bitewing shows the tooth’s whole length, from the visible dental crown to the level of the underlying bone. With the aid of bitewing X-rays, one can detect dental decay between the teeth and differences in bone density caused by gum disease.

Occlusal

The dental professional can view all of your teeth with this technique. It keeps track of the development and placement of the entire dental arch in the upper or lower jaw.

Panoramic

Each tooth in the lower and upper jaw is visible in this X-ray, giving a full view of the mouth. This type involves the machine rotating around the head. The dentist may use this technique to check your wisdom teeth, prepare for dental implants, or assess jaw problems.

Periapical

This technique focuses on two complete teeth, root to crown. Each periapical X-ray shows each tooth in one part of the upper or lower jaw. This X-ray searches for unanticipated changes in the root and the surrounding bony protrusions.

If your dentist suspects any problem in areas other than the gums and teeth, such as the jaw, he or she may suggest performing the extraoral X-rays.

The dentist will guide you through each step of the X-ray process. During the capturing of the images, they might leave the room briefly. The dentist will instruct you to keep still while taking pictures. If the X-ray involves spacers (film holders), they will be moved and placed in your mouth to capture the appropriate photographs.

How Often Do You Need Dental X-Ray?

Dental X-rays are advisable every 12 to 18 months if you’ve ever had procedures like crowns, implants, fillings, or bridges. In this way, you can monitor the progression of cavities and underlying tooth decay. For healthy people, every two to three years is acceptable.

The type and, obviously, the number of dental X-rays you require are the main determinants of price. A dental expert is the only one qualified to determine the type of X-ray ideal for your situation.

Following Dental X-rays

Once the images are ready, which happens instantly with digital X-rays, your dentist will review them and search for any abnormalities. The dentist may go through the teeth X-ray results with you after the dental hygienist has done cleaning your teeth. The hygienist will only make an exception if she discovers any major problems while taking the X-rays.

At Smile Lab Dallas, our dentists offer several excellent dental procedures. Our staff consisting of exceptionally talented dentists, led by Dr. Parihan Tamkin in Dallas, can provide you with any type of dental fitness therapy. Make an appointment at our dental care clinic by calling us on the phone or by visiting our office.