Your routine checkups and cleanings with your dentist are designed to help prevent and spot the small signs of dental problems before they have a chance to progress. Or, if it’s been awhile since you’ve visited your dentist, let you know how to get your oral health back on the right track. X-rays give your dentist the whole picture instead of just half of it, allowing them to see what lies below the gumline, too, which is equally as important as the visible part of your smile. Read on to learn why X-rays are necessary and how your dentist uses them to improve your health.
The Different Types of Dental X-Rays
There are three main types of dental X-rays that dentists take regularly to help examine your mouth. These include:
- Bitewing X-rays: While bitewing X-rays may not be the most comfortable to take, they allow your dentist to see signs of cavities between the back and front teeth. These are typically recommended every 18 to 36 months, depending on the patient’s risk of decay.
- Panoramic X-rays: Panoramic X-rays are two-dimensional and allow your dentist to view your entire mouth, including your jaw joints, bone, and head and neck areas. These are typically only recommended three to five years.
- Periapical X-rays: Periapical X-rays offer a detailed view of an entire tooth, all the way from the root tips to the crown, including the bone structure that helps anchor it in place. These are typically only recommended as-needed and are often used to diagnose dental emergency issues and before restorative dental care.
What Can X-Rays Help Your Dentist Diagnose?
By taking routine diagnostic X-rays and as-needed radiographs, like periapical X-rays, your dentist will be able to see the areas of your mouth that aren’t visible to the naked eye. As a result, they can better diagnose a wide range of hidden issues, including:
- Cavities that are located between the teeth
- Decay underneath fillings or crowns
- Jawbone loss due to gum disease or tooth loss
- Cysts
- Tumors
- Dental alignment and bite problems
Are X-Rays Safe?
A top concern of many patients about dental X-rays is whether or not it’s safe to have them done routinely. Utilizing the latest digital technology, dentists are able to safely capture diagnostic images every year without putting your health at risk. In fact, one X-ray emits the same amount of radiation as you would naturally get from spending a day in the sun. If you have any concerns about your safety or would like to learn more about why your dentist is recommending a certain type of X-ray, never hesitate to ask! Their top priority is to make sure that you feel confident and comfortable in your care.
About the Practice
At DuPont Family Dentistry, our dentists deliver comprehensive care that always keeps you in the loop. If you have any questions about what we’re doing or our recommendations, Dr. John Ludu and Dr. Rhenu Sharma are happy to take the time to help you feel at-ease by giving you the answers you need. To schedule a six-month checkup, visit DuPont Family Dentistry’s website or call 253-964-7000.