All You Need to Know About Dental X-rays

Dental x-rays are often part of a routine dental check-up. This amazing technology enables dentists to prevent dental problems, treat complex conditions, and even save lives. Preventative and diagnostic x-rays are an important aspect of oral health because they allow a dental team to get a close-up view of your teeth, bones, and jaw.

The Importance of Dental X-rays

During a dental examination procedure, you may find the idea of an x-ray inconvenient. Wearing a heavy apron and holding a device between your teeth does not seem fun for anyone.

Nevertheless, they are important because they help professionals determine the condition of your oral health. X-rays allow them to see the state of your teeth, roots, jaw placement, and facial bone composition. They also assist them in detecting and treating dental problems early in their development.

X-rays can aid in the detection of problems that a simple teeth exam cannot detect. Finding and treating problems early in their development can save you money, avoid discomfort (if problems are treated later), and even save your life.

What are Dental X-rays used for?

During your routine dental visit, a dentist may use it for a wide variety of reasons:

Your dental team will be able to detect decay by using an x-ray, which will highlight difficult-to-reach areas between the teeth. They can also reveal pockets of decay developing beneath an existing filling
They can reveal the beginnings of bone loss in people with gum disease
X-rays can detect damage and infections in your teeth’s sensitive root canal area. Furthermore, they can reveal existing abscesses between your teeth and gums or at the root of your tooth
An X-ray can help your dentist plan your procedure if you are getting tooth implants or dentures

Types of Dental X-rays

Your dentist may use different types of x-rays during a dental check-up depending on what your oral issue might be:

Bitewing

This is used to examine a single area of your mouth. During your dental check-up, your dentist may request one or more bitewing x-rays. Each bitewing captures the exposed portion of your upper and lower teeth, as well as half of their roots and supporting bone.

Occlusal

These x-rays aid in the tracking of the development and placement of a section or entire arch of teeth in the upper or lower jaw.

Panoramic

These x-rays, like panoramic photographs, are used to capture images of your entire mouth.

Periapical

These x-rays show the entire tooth. It depicts the entire tooth, from the crown to the root, which is below the gum line. Each periapical x-ray depicts a small portion of your upper or lower teeth.

Full Mouth

This is made up of a series of individual images, including bitewing and periapical images. Full mouth x-rays are usually employed when you visit your dentist for the first time.

Sue Vetter Seattle Dental Services

Whether you are coming in for your very first visit or a regularly scheduled dental check-up, and you require a dental x-ray, we will make the process fully comfortable for you. Book your dental visit with us today.

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