What We Can See When Looking at Your Dental X-Rays
Posted on 7/26/2021 by Evan
Taking dental x-rays is an important component of evaluating your dental health, as these images allow us to notice things we cannot always see during a standard oral examination. For that reason, we typically recommend taking x-rays once a year or every other year as part of your routine dental checkup, or more frequently if you have known dental health issues. Here are some of the problems dental x-rays allow us to see.
Tooth Decay
We are able to check for cavities between teeth by using a type of dental x-ray called a bitewing x-ray. With a bitewing x-ray, we have you bite down on a special piece of plastic or paper while we take your images. It is very important to use this technique, since cavities that form between teeth are often difficult or impossible to see by performing a standard oral examination alone.
Bone Loss
X-rays are also crucial for showing bone loss. Loss of bone density in your jawbone or alveolar bones (the bones that hold your teeth in place) can be an indicator of periodontal disease. Advanced periodontal disease not only causes your gum tissue to recede so much that your teeth loosen, but the infection can also attack your jawbone and alveolar bones, causing them to weaken. When this occurs, your teeth can fall out.
Monitoring bone density with dental x-rays is also important for patients who need to have one or more dental implants placed for missing teeth. In order for the dental implants to successfully fuse with your jaw and hold your new prosthetic teeth in place, you need to have sufficient bone mass in your jaw. Many patients require bone graft surgery before getting implants placed for this reason.
Other Issues
Prevention is key when it comes to both your dental health and your overall health, and taking x-rays allows us to see other serious problems such as oral abscesses, cysts, and even cancerous tumors. If we neglected to take x-rays at your routine dental checkup, we could potentially be missing the chance to diagnose and treat something as severe and life-threatening as oral cancer. Call us today to schedule an exam.
This is the probably the best dentist that I have ever been to! The workers are so kind and understanding. They explain things to me in a way that I would understand. If you need a new dentist, this is the place to go!!!
About Serenity Dental | Dental Implants Spokane Valley, WA Serenity Dental offers some of the most comprehensive dental services in one location. You get the best customer service and high-end value without the high-end pressures. Call us today to schedule an appointment. Serenity Dental, 15701 East Sprague Ave. Suite F, Spokane Valley, Spokane Valley, WA 99037-5019 - (509) 919-1471 - serenitydentists.com - 3/24/2023 - Key Phrases: dental implants Spokane Valley WA -
Taking dental x-rays is an important component of evaluating your dental health, as these images allow us to notice things we cannot always see during a standard oral examination. For that reason, we typically recommend taking x-rays once a year or every other year as part of your routine dental checkup, or more frequently if you have known dental health issues. Here are some of the problems dental x-rays allow us to see.