The last time you visited the dentist, did you need to get X-rays taken? Dental X-rays form part of a comprehensive care plan.
The last time you visited the dentist, did you need to get X-rays taken? No matter which dentist you rely on, they want to be able to take the best care of you that they can. Dental X-rays form part of a comprehensive care plan. Early detection and prevention is a major part of keeping any potential problems from getting worse. Read on to learn more about these scans and why they’re so important.
How They Work
Dental x-rays are also called radiographs. once they are done, they’ll give your dentist a close-up view of your teeth and the spaces in between them. The roots and bones underneath your teeth are hard to see during a simple visual inspection. However, x-rays will reveal these parts of your mouth to your dentist. X-rays are a fundamental part of diagnosing any potential oral disease. By using x-rays, your dentist can also find cavities, tooth decay, and even missing wisdom teeth, among other issues.
Different Types of Dental X-Rays
There are three primary kinds of dental X-rays. These are called bitewing, periapical, and panoramic. What sets them apart?
- Bitewing x-rays are usually ordered in sets of 2-4 scans. They are focused on the crowns of your teeth and can indicate signs of tooth decay.
- Periapical can help your dentist determine how tall your teeth are, and these also allow a better view of the tips of the dental roots.
- Panoramic x-rays represent a single large scan of your entire mouth. Your teeth, jaws, and sinuses can all be viewed from a glance. If you have conditions such as impaction, tumors, or anything unusual when it comes to your bones, these scans can indicate all of that.
How Often Do You Need One?
Since your dental and oral health will be different from everyone else around you, how often you need dental X-rays will depend as well. Listen to the suggestions made by your dentist. When you visit a new dentist for the first time, they will want to order a complete set of X-rays done. These initial scans will provide them with a map of your mouth and the ability to judge how healthy your mouth is. Once you begin regular appointments, these x-rays won’t be as necessary as they were before.
You Can Trust Olney Dental for All of Your Oral Care Needs
For all of your oral care questions and concerns, Olney Dental has the expertise and professionalism to get them the answers they need. Olney Dental is ready to supply you with expert service in a professional environment. Schedule an appointment online today! For more information on how we can give your family the best dentist experience available, give us a call at (301) 250-1057 or contact us online. For more dental tips, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, YouTube, and Pinterest.