Dental X-rays are an incredibly important part of your routine dental care. While you might not need them at every appointment, they help your dental team detect and treat oral health problems early. But sometimes, you may find yourself wondering whether you actually need this imaging or if you can go without it.
While it might be tempting to opt out of this care, this imaging is essential for maintaining great oral health. If you want to learn more about this imaging and why your dentist may request it at your upcoming dental appointment, keep reading.
What Are Dental X-Rays?
Dental X-rays, also known as radiographs, are images your dental team takes of your teeth, gums, and jaw that allow your dentist to get a more in-depth look at what’s happening beneath the surface. While some oral ailments are visible to the naked eye, some problems with your teeth and underlying structures may be too deep to spot.
There are several types of dental X-rays, including:
- Bitewing: Shows details of the upper and lower teeth in specific areas of your mouth and is useful if your dental team suspects you have tooth decay or bone loss.
- Periapical: Focuses on one or two problematic teeth, showing every part of the tooth, from the crown to the root.
- Panoramic: Captures your entire mouth in one image, including all teeth, jawbones, and surrounding tissues, especially during orthodontic evaluation.
- Occlusal: Capture the floor or roof of the mouth and can show tooth development or placement.
Why Your Dentist Needs X-Rays
There are several reasons why your dental team may request X-rays before continuing with their examination, including:
1. Assess Your Current Oral Health Condition
If this is the first time you’re visiting a new dental team, they may request X-rays to gain a better understanding of your current oral health condition. This is most common if you’re visiting a new office but don’t have records from the previous one or if it’s been quite some time since you last came in for a dental examination and cleaning.
2. Catch Early Signs of Cavities
In its earliest stage, a cavity can be difficult, if not impossible, to identify with the naked eye. When your dentist requests X-rays, they can spot the earliest signs of cavity development. When looking at the images, these cavities may appear as dark grey or black spots on your teeth, helping them address this problem before it becomes more significant.
3. Identify Potential Health Concerns
For patients who are experiencing increased discomfort or swelling, your dental team may consider requesting X-rays. This imaging can help them spot dental abscesses, infections, small cracks, or bone loss that may be contributing to your pain. This process helps them avoid irritating already inflamed tissue and structures.
4. Prepare for Orthodontics
If you are experiencing tooth misalignments or impactions, your dental team may consider taking X-rays to get a clearer picture of your bite. This will help them craft the appropriate orthodontic plan, as not all orthodontic devices are as effective as others. It may also help to determine if you’ll need a wisdom tooth extraction.
5. Craft A Treatment Plan
As you begin preparing for upcoming, complex dental treatments, like dental implants, dentures, or extractions, your team may need to take some X-rays. They will look at your existing bone structure, oral health, and tooth position to ensure you’re in a good position to support these costly oral treatments.
Do You Need X-Rays At Every Appointment?
If you are attending regular dental appointments, you may not need X-rays every time you visit the office. However, there are a few patients who will benefit from regular imaging, including:
- New Patients: If it is your first time visiting a new dentist, they may order this imaging to establish a baseline for your dental health.
- Children & Teens: Your dentist may recommend this imaging to monitor the growth and development of their teeth.
- Patients with Ongoing Dental Problems: If you’re currently undergoing treatment for dental problems, you may need this imaging to track progress.
Your dentist will tailor your X-ray schedule to your specific needs. If you’re concerned about frequency or necessity, don’t hesitate to ask questions. They can help answer any questions you have and quell anxiety.
Are They Safe?
Although you may feel wary about upcoming imaging, it is important to understand that this is a safe dental practice. Newer imaging devices use low doses of radiation, making them much safer than older devices. The amount of radiation exposure from a dental X-ray is roughly the same as you’d get from a short airplane flight.
If you are pregnant, you may be especially concerned about this imaging. However, this shouldn’t be of any concern. Your X-ray technician will use lead aprons or thyroid collars to protect you against radiation. It is important that you let them know you are pregnant ahead of the appointment to keep yourself and your baby safe.
Expert Care at Mills River Family Dental
Dental X-rays are a valuable diagnostic tool that allows your dentist to see the full picture of your oral health. While you don’t need them at every appointment, regular X-rays can help catch issues early, potentially saving you from more extensive procedures down the line. If you’re looking for a reliable dental team in Mills River, NC, turn to Mills River Family Dental for support.
For over 20 years, our team has provided the most reliable, comprehensive dental care to patients across the city. From addressing minor dental health concerns to helping you achieve the bright, white smile you’ve always dreamed of, we’re always here and ready to help. No matter what service you have in mind, we’re the right team for the job.
If you’d like to schedule an appointment with our team or have more questions about upcoming care, don’t hesitate to contact us today.
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