Why Do I Need Dental X-Rays?
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by Dr. Beau Beecher, DDS on 12/10/2024
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General
Dental X-rays are an important part of maintaining a healthy smile, giving your dentist a deeper look at what’s happening beneath the surface of your teeth and gums. While regular exams are crucial, some issues can go unnoticed without the extra level of detail X-rays provide. If you’ve ever wondered if you really need X-rays at the dentist, we take a deep dive into the purpose and benefits of the process.
What Are Dental X-Rays?
You might be more accustomed to your doctor recommending X-rays for injuries like broken bones, but they are an essential tool for your dentist to gain a better understanding of your oral health. A dental X-ray can help uncover issues like cavities, bone loss, gum disease, and infections before they would be noticeable through a simple visual examination. These X-rays work by using a small amount of electromagnetic radiation to produce images of your mouth. The radiation passes through your soft tissue and captures the structure of your teeth and bones.
Are Dental X-Rays Safe?
Hearing that dental X-rays put radiation into your body might give you pause. However, modern digital technologies have mitigated much of the risk, using 80-90% less radiation compared to older dental X-ray machines. The amount of radiation received from dental X-rays is comparable to activities like using TVs, smartphones, and computers. For an added layer of protection, your dentist will provide a lead apron to put over your chest, as well as a thyroid collar to place around your neck.
How Often Do You Need Dental X-Rays?
How often you need dental X-rays depends on your specific oral health needs and conditions. For most adult patients, X-rays are only needed every two to three years. For those with more serious conditions, your dentist may recommend taking X-rays on a more frequent basis to monitor your condition. Additionally, children with developing teeth should utilize X-rays every six to 12 months to keep an eye on development and potential risks. As a Kimball & Beecher patient you can rest assured your dentist will only recommend X-rays when absolutely necessary to minimize your radiation exposure.
Types of Dental X-Rays
Depending on your specific needs, your dentist may utilize different types of X-rays. Here’s a quick overview of some of the most common types.
- Bitewing X-rays. These look at the upper and lower teeth in a smaller section of your mouth. They typically do not show the roots of your teeth, and are most useful for detecting cavities between teeth or changes below the gum line.
- Periapical X-rays. These hone in on a specific tooth and the surrounding area, showing the crown to the root tip. They can be used to detect abnormalities like decay or bone loss.
- Panoramic X-rays. These help capture a view of your entire mouth, including all teeth, jaws, nerves, sinuses, and bone. They provide a comprehensive view of your overall oral health and can be especially helpful with wisdom teeth and dental implants.
- Occlusal X-rays. These focus more on the floor and roof of your mouth. They can be helpful with dental emergencies like fractured and impacted teeth, and can also help your dentist spot cysts and abscesses.
- Cephalometric X-rays. These provide an image of your entire head from a side view. They’re typically used in orthodontic treatments to understand the location of your teeth in relation to your jaw.
Why Get Dental X-Rays?
Dental X-rays are a safe, simple way to maintain your oral health and prevent major issues from forming. There are many different conditions they can help your dentist detect, including:
- Tooth Decay
- Periodontal/Gum Disease
- Cysts and Tumors
- Infections
- Impacted Teeth
- Wisdom Teeth
- Bone Loss
- Jaw Fractures
- Developmental Problems
- Sinus Issues
While you can always decline dental X-rays if you’re not comfortable with them, they’re an invaluable tool in diagnosing and treating oral health issues at earlier stages.
Schedule a Dentist Appointment at Kimball & Beecher
At Kimball & Beecher, our dedicated team delivers exceptional care for patients of all ages. We strive to create a friendly, relaxing atmosphere where every visit feels inviting and stress-free. Schedule an appointment online or give us a call at any of our locations for all of your family’s dental needs.