To achieve your best smile, regular dental appointments should occur every six months. During this appointment, you will have a dental X-ray performed. These X-rays allow your dental professional to do a more thorough examination of your teeth and gums to see what treatments may be needed.
They also serve as a record for the team to refer back to during future appointments. Dr. Coates shares more about this diagnostic tool that offers information and identifies hidden dental abnormalities.
How is Digital Radiography Different from Traditional X-Rays?
Digital radiography, or digital X-ray, is the latest technology to capture dental X-rays. The technique involves using an electronic sensor instead of an X-ray film to capture and store the digital image on a computer. The image can be viewed and enlarged to help dental professionals detect problems easier and earlier. Digital X-rays also reduce radiation by 80-90% compared to the already low exposure of traditional dental X-rays.
The Importance of Dental X-Rays
Dental X-rays allow your dental team to see between and inside the teeth, the roots of the teeth, jaw placement, and facial bone. With this unique view, we can detect decay and infection. It’s a great way to catch periodontal disease in its early stages.
With pediatric patients, it’s also the best way to determine the health and progress of developing teeth. Dental X-Rays are incredibly useful and can reveal the following:
- Abscesses or cysts
- Bone loss
- Cancerous and non-cancerous tumors
Using X-rays to detect dental problems at an early stage can save you time, money, unnecessary discomfort, and your teeth!
The 4 Types of Dental X-Rays
1. Bite-Wing X-Rays
During a bite-wing X-ray, you bite down the paper to check how your teeth match up. It’s an excellent way to check for cavities that may be hiding between the teeth.
2. Occlusal X-Rays
Occlusal X-rays show how upper and lower teeth line up. They can also reveal any anatomical irregularities with the floor or palate of your mouth.
3. Panoramic
Like it sounds, the panoramic X-ray involves the machine rotating around the head to check wisdom teeth, prepare for implants, and explore jaw issues.
4. Periapical X-Rays
This X-ray will focus on one complete tooth from root to surface.
Dental X-Rays Are Safe & Necessary
The American Dental Association has deemed X-rays safe for both children and adults. While radiation is used, exposure levels and related risks are minimal and are not cause for alarm.
To ensure safety, our practice and others utilize a leaded apron to prevent radiation exposure to other body areas. As stated earlier, our offices use digital X-rays for your health and safety. Not only do they use less radiation, but they are also faster and more comfortable to take. Our office recommends X-rays based on your medical and dental history, dental exam, signs and symptoms, age, and disease risk.
Schedule Your Dental X-Rays at the Office of Dr. Stephen Coates, DDS
Dr. Coates recommends getting X-rays every six months during your regular dental checkup. We employ the latest technologies and techniques for our patients. For new patients, we recommend a complete mouth series of dental X-rays. Bite-wing X-rays are usually taken at checkup appointments to detect new dental issues.
We invite you to schedule your appointment for your dental checkup and X-ray today.
