When you visit your dentist, you might become curious about that black-and-white image. The use of dental X-rays in Coquitlam helps dentists to see beyond the eyes. They show areas of the teeth, gums, and jawbone that can’t otherwise be seen. They can help catch issues early before they become serious.
What are Dental X-rays and How Do They Work?
X-rays of the mouth make use of a low level of radiation to generate images. The images show what is beneath the surface that’s not visible to the naked eye like tooth roots, bone density, and disease and decay.
Here’s how they work in simple steps.
- A small sensor or film is placed inside your mouth.
- The X-ray machine sends controlled rays through your teeth.
- These beams make an image that reveals hard parts and soft parts.
- The dentist examines these pictures to find any infections.
This procedure is quick, safe, and painless, allowing a dentist near you to make an accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plans.
Why are Dental X-rays Important for Oral Health?
Dental problems often start quietly and painlessly. X-rays help detect early signs of issues such as.
- Cavities hiding between teeth.
- Infections in the roots or gums.
- Bone loss from gum disease.
- Wisdom teeth problems or jaw alignment issues.
Without the use of X-ray imaging, some injuries may go unnoticed until they’re painful or expensive to treat. That’s why dental X-rays and overall oral health care go hand in hand; they help your dentist keep your smile
What are the Different Types of Dental X-rays and Their Uses?
Different types of dental X-rays exist, and each is used for a different purpose based on the area of the mouth that is being examined.
- Bitewing X-rays: They display the upper and lower teeth of a person at the same time, thus making it very easy to locate cavities between teeth and detect early stages of bone loss.
- Periapical X-rays: These focus on one or two teeth, and therefore, they only show the full tooth from the crown to the root, as well as the bone around it.
- Panoramic X-rays: These are all the pictures that are required to see the mouth, jaws, and sinuses. This is the perfect method for a dentist to find wisdom teeth or check for a problem in the jaw.
- Occlusal X-rays: They show the floor or roof of a person’s mouth and, therefore, are used to find the teeth that have not yet come in or to check the development of the jaw in children.
Your dentist in Coquitlam will recommend the most suitable type of X-ray based on your age, dental health, and treatment needs.
Is Getting a Dental X-ray Safe?
Most patients are concerned about radiation exposure. In reality, however, the dose of modern-day dental X-rays is very low, even lower than your daily exposure! Digital X-rays have made the process even safer and faster.
Children or pregnant patients need extra protection, so dentists often use lead aprons and thyroid collars for them. It’s normal for patients to wonder, “Is sedation dentistry safe?” when in a dental practice, but in terms of X-rays, absolutely under a professional’s supervision.
How Often Should You Get Dental X-rays?
How often should you go for a dental check-up for your oral health history? For example.
- As kids and teens grow, their teeth and jaws do too. That may mean more X-rays.
- Healthy adults may only need X-rays every 1-2 years.
- Patients suffering from tooth complaints or gum issues will require having them often.
Your local dentist will tailor the schedule depending on your requirements for early detection and prevention.
Maintain Your Radiant Smile with Professional Oral Care!
Are you looking to have strong teeth even down to the roots? Then Dr. Ross Dental is the place where you should come. Caring for families in a modern and gentle manner, they are at your service. Don’t forget to schedule your visit to the clinic and see the benefits of prevention in oral diseases.
FAQs
Are dental X-rays safe for everyone?
Yes, dental X-rays are safe. There is very low radiation, while in a modern digital system even less radiation takes place.
How often should I get dental X-rays?
Most people get X-rays once a year. But your dentist may recommend having them more often. that’s the case if you have ongoing dental issues. Or, you are undergoing dental treatment.
Do children need dental X-rays too?
Yes, many kids get X rays to monitor their teeth growth and check if their adult teeth are forming.
Can dental X-rays detect all oral problems?
X-rays do show things like decay, infection, and bone loss that cannot be seen with the naked eye but a physical exam will still be performed.
