When you visit a dentist, you may be surprised when they ask you if they can take some x-rays of your mouth. In truth, dental x-rays near you are very important. They are used to help the dentist diagnose what is going on with your oral health.
In this blog post, our team at Griesbach Dental tells you all you need to know about this essential diagnostic tool.
What is a Dental X-Ray?
Dental x-rays, also called radiographs, allow your dentist to see what is going on in your mouth on a deeper level. Our dentist in North Edmonton strives to provide the best possible care to our patients, and a visual examination doesn’t always cut it. Dental x-rays are an excellent diagnostic tool that allows our dentist to detect any disease or damage that isn’t visible to the naked eye. With the help of radiographs, dentists can accurately treat and diagnose oral health issues and prevent diseases from progressing.
When Are Dental X-Rays Required?
With dental x-rays in North Edmonton, dentists are not only able to see the visible portion of your tooth but everything from the bones underneath your gums to the tip of the roots. These diagnostic tools allow your dentist to diagnose problems that are causing specific symptoms.
Some problems that dentists can use x-rays to screen for include bone loss, cavities, cysts, and masses that can be caught and treated early. Additionally, with the help of radiographs, dentists can also identify if you have wisdom teeth and whether or not they need to be removed.
How Do Dental X-Rays Work?
When you visit a dentist near you for a routine cleaning and checkup, you will most likely need to get x-rays done. Most dental offices use bitewing x-rays that allow your dentist to see the majority of your mouth with the fewest amount of pictures. These x-rays are taken with a bite plate placed between your teeth and the x-ray machine placed near your cheek.
Another option for x-rays is panoramic x-rays. These are taken from the outside of your mouth and give your dentist an image of your entire mouth in just one photo. This will show all of your teeth, including your sinus areas and jawbones. This form of radiograph is an excellent option to detect jawbone irregularities.
Are Dental X-Rays Safe?
Dental x-rays are considered safe, but all forms of x-rays emit some level of radiation. To eliminate the risk of radiation exposure, your dentist will provide you with a lead apron and thyroid protector to cover the vulnerable parts of your body. This ensures that you are exposed to the smallest amount of radiation possible. All forms of dental x-rays are painless and quick and only take a few minutes to complete.
How Often Should One Get Dental X-Rays?
While the recommended frequency of getting x-rays varies from person to person, most people need a dental x-ray at least once a year. Children tend to require more x-rays than adults due to the vulnerable and unpredictable nature of their teeth. Newer patients may also need more x-rays than others to help their dentist establish a baseline for their oral health.
If you have not had a dental x-ray in the last year and would like to ensure that you are maintaining optimal oral health, speak to our team about getting a dental x-ray. At Griesbach Dental, we are happy to provide this dental technology to help our patients maintain excellent oral health.