Dental radiographs or X-rays are images of the hard and soft tissues surrounding your teeth and jawbones. Using low levels of radiation, these X-rays can provide an in-depth look at your teeth and gums. And they can be just as important as your oral examination and teeth cleaning.
For a comprehensive checkup, we recommend including dental X-rays. You may have doubts about the safety or benefits of dental imaging, but it is a harmless and reliable way to identify any underlying issues in your oral health. Don’t just take our word for it; here are four ways dental X-rays can be helpful:
Thorough and accurate evaluation
Dentists mainly use dental radiographs to provide an accurate and customized diagnosis and treatment plan of your teeth and gums. Because of the X-rays’ high resolution, dentists can easily identify inconspicuous problems, like tooth decay, impacted teeth, gum disease, oral tumors, and other abnormalities. The images are also available immediately, so patients don’t have to wait long for a dentist’s analysis and treatment.
Early detection
Dental radiographs can alert dentists to any changes in your teeth, bones, or gums at their earliest stage. By detecting signs of an infection or injury early, dentists can then prevent:
- Further damage to areas of your mouth;
- Minimize any required treatments; and
- Save you time and money by avoiding invasive treatments in the future.
Development in children
Radiographs benefit children as well. With an X-ray, dentists can closely look at how a child’s teeth and bone structure are developing. This information can guide dentists to use preventative measures so specific issues like decay, infections, abscesses, gum disease, impacted teeth, or overcrowding don’t become a major problem.
Easy access
Nowadays, dental X-rays are stored and shared digitally. That means having easy access to them as needed. For instance, you or your dentist will be able to send your X-rays to your insurance company quickly, helping to speed up the process for insurance claims.
Dental X-rays are necessary but do not have to be taken at every visit. Your dentist will determine whether to get an image of your teeth based on your age, risk of oral disease, oral health history, any symptoms you reveal, or the oral examination findings. If you have any further questions or concerns about the dental imaging process, contact us, and we will be happy to help.
