Why Your Dentist Takes X-Rays

Getting X-rays are a normal part of a dental checkup, but have you ever wondered why you need them? Dental X-rays are an important part of maintaining good oral health and detecting any dental issues you may have so they can be treated quickly and efficiently. Read on to learn more about how they work and what kinds of issues your Far North Dallas dentist is able to find with them.

How a Dental X-Ray Works

A dental x-ray is a photo of the inside of the mouth that’s captured using low levels of radiation. Soft tissue doesn’t easily absorb the radiation, but bones and teeth do, which is why they show up in the image. Compared to film X-rays, which used to be the norm, digital ones produce clearer images, 90% less radiation, and faster results.

Issues Dental X-Rays Can Find

By using dental X-rays, dentist can identify underlying oral health issues that can’t be seen with the naked eye and determine the best way to treat them. Dental X-rays can help them diagnose things like:

• Abscesses
• Impacted teeth
• Tumors and cysts
• Bone loss in the jaw
• Tooth decay between the teeth or under fillings
• Changes in the root canal or bone due to infection
• The position of the teeth to determine what kind of orthodontic treatment or dental restoration is needed

How Often You Need a Dental X-Ray

Though X-rays are taken once a year for most patients, the number required varies from person to person. It depends on several different factors, such as age, current oral health, a history of gum disease and decay, and if there are signs of disease. Since children’s teeth are constantly moving and growing in, they need dental X-rays more often. Patients who haven’t been to the dentist in a while may also need X-rays more often so their dentist can keep an eye out for any oral health issues that may have developed since their last visit. If you’re experiencing a dental emergency such as a severe toothache, this may also require X-rays to determine what the issue is and the best method of treatment.

Regardless of whether or not your teeth are causing any pain or discomfort, it’s important to visit the dentist at least twice each year to have them examine your teeth. By having up-to-date information on the state of your teeth, your dentist will be able to provide you with the best treatment possible.

About the Author

With offices in Dallas, Arlington, Mesquite, Euless, and Fort Worth, Bear Creek Family Dentistry provides DFW patients of all ages with the quality dental care they deserve. They aim to build a foundation of trust with their patients and treat them with compassion, courtesy, and respect. They are experts in locating underlying oral health issues with dental X-rays and treating them so you can enjoy a happy, beautiful smile. To learn more about how dental X-rays work or to schedule an appointment with Bear Creek Family Dentistry, visit their website or call their Far North Dallas office at (972) 490-1600.