Why are Dental X-Rays Important?
Radiographs, commonly known as x-rays, are an important tool to help your doctor properly diagnose your oral health needs. Dental x-rays are a safe way to diagnose disease and injury of the teeth and gums, as well as help in treatment planning.
X-rays allow doctors to:
- Find cavities
- Look at the tooth roots
- Check the health of the bony area around the tooth
- Determine if there is periodontal disease
- Monitor good tooth health through prevention
- If you’re a new patient, you doctor ay advices taking a full series of x-rays to assess your current oral health and use as a baseline going forward
Types of X-Rays
Bitewing
Bitewing x-rays show the crown portions of the top and bottom teeth together when you bite on a biting tab. A small apparatus, made of plastic, is inserted into your mouth and you are asked to bite down to hold the x-ray film in place. The process is pain-free and will be repeated until images have been obtained for your entire mouth.
Periapical
A periapical x-ray shows 1 or 2 complete teeth from crown to root.
Occlusal
An occlusal x-ray capture all the upper or lower teeth in one shot while the film rests on the biting surface of the teeth.
Panoramic
A panoramic x-ray requires a special machine that rotates around the head. The x-ray captures all the jaws and teeth in one shot. It is used to plan treatment for dental implants, check for impacted wisdom teeth, and detect jaw problems.
Cephalometric
A cephalometric x-ray presents the side view of the face and represents the relationship of the jaw to other structures. It is helpful to diagnose any airway problems.
Cone Beam Computerized Tomography (CBCT)
These x-rays provide a 3D view of your mouth and may be used before dental surgery.
Radiographs are an important diagnostic tool for your doctor. X-rays help with early detection and treatment of disease to ensure a healthy mouth over a lifetime. Finding and treating dental problems at an early stage can save you time and money and prevent pain.
If you have questions or concerns about the types or frequency of x-rays, contact Embrace Dental in Sparks, NV today by submitting a contact form or by calling us at (775) 391-6212.