What is a dental x-ray?
A dental x-ray is an image taken of the teeth. You see a two-dimensional image of the tooth through and through in order to diagnose any potential problems with the teeth and the bone around the root of the tooth. It will show something like an infection, it may show a cavity, it may show bone loss. So, any potential problem with the teeth will be shown by the x-ray.
When are dental x-rays typically taken?
Whenever you come in for your exam and cleaning would be one time that we take an x-ray in order to see if there are any changes from the last visit. Another time is when you experience some sort of pain or discomfort and you come in looking for help. The doctor will take an x-ray as a proper diagnosing tool to see what might be going on with that.
What is the purpose of a dental x-ray?
The purpose of a dental x-ray is to have an image of the tooth, sometimes an area that is not visible clinically when just looking at the mouth and the teeth. This includes the areas between the teeth, areas under the gum, the bone, and the root of the tooth to see if there are any problems that are happening right now or potentially may happen.
What types of x-rays are used for diagnostic purposes?
There are different types of x-rays used for diagnostic purposes to see what's going on with the teeth just to make sure that things are still in good condition. Number one is a big panoramic x-ray that is taken of the entire mouth, all of the teeth in one shot. That is good to see how the wisdom teeth are growing, for people who may be missing a lot of teeth, and also to see the condition of the bone. For people who may be thinking of getting braces, a panoramic x-ray will also be taken just to see the positioning of all of the teeth. Another type of x-ray is the one that you would get during your emergency visit or during your regular exam and cleaning appointment just to see what's going on with the tooth that might not be obviously visible through just looking at the teeth.
Are dental x-rays safe?
Dental x-rays have become extremely safe in recent years with the introduction of digital x-rays. They use absolutely minimal amounts of radiation. You may potentially get more radiation just by walking outside on the street, so they are extremely safe. Even a big panoramic x-ray that used to have radiation equal to a chest x-ray is now very safe to take using minimal radiation, and it will not affect your health.
What can be observed on a dental x-ray?
The x-ray will show the anatomy of the tooth and the bone. You will see the crown of the tooth, the root of the tooth, and the bone which supports the tooth. All of that is clearly visible on the x-ray. We can also observe any infection, any cavities, and even the tartar that is growing on those teeth. Those are the perfect diagnostic tools for us to see what treatment you may need to do in order to achieve your oral health.
Do dental x-rays show periodontal disease?
Dental x-rays don't specifically show periodontal disease, but they show the signs of it. The destruction of the bone, the tooth losing its support—those are the great signs of periodontal disease that are readily visible on the x-rays.
Are dental x-rays covered by insurance?
Dental x-rays are covered by insurance as a diagnostic tool, and most often they are covered fully.
How often should dental exams be scheduled?
Dental exams need to be scheduled twice a year for best results so that we stay ahead of any potential problems. When we see you regularly, we're able to catch anything in its earlier stages and we can address it before it turns into something major, costly, and painful.