Schedule
Appointment

Are Dental X-Rays Necessary? Reasons Why Your Dentist Needs to Take X-Rays

  • Home
  • /
  • Blog
  • /
  • Are Dental X-Rays Necessary? Reasons Why Your Dentist Needs to Take X-Rays

The mainstay of any dental care is sometimes known as dental x-rays. Even with their knowledge, your dentist may not always be able to diagnose problems with your mouth and jaw just by looking at your teeth. Your dentist can see the precise anatomy of your teeth and jaws with the use of detailed scanning.

To closely inspect your teeth, from the enamel to the base, you need to have accurate imaging of your oral cavity. X-rays provide you with a complete picture of your teeth’s condition, including any cavities that may be developing or any that haven’t emerged. 

Getting dental x-rays in Evanston will help your team keep an eye on things and determine what steps are necessary to maintain your smile. However, the most common query among people is, “How often should I have a dental x-ray? 

Why are X-rays Used by Dentists?

Not even the most experienced dentists can examine your teeth in their entirety with a single glance. Tooth decay can occur below the surface, and the visual detection of many early alignment problems is hampered.

When detected early, almost every oral illness is preventable. Dental x-rays are a diagnostic technique that dentists use to identify any possible oral health issues that might not be evident during a routine checkup. A dentist may suggest a dental x-ray near you to a patient during a routine oral health examination if they suspect an underlying condition or just to be sure no new issues are arising. This process is safe and essential, especially if you already have dental decay or cavities, among other oral health conditions. X-rays are required for kids and teenagers to monitor the growth of their teeth.

Problems X-rays Can Detect 

X-rays provide a comprehensive image of the patient’s mouth and enable dentists to identify the signs of a wide range of problems. Here are a few common problems detected by x-rays:

  • Cavities/ Tooth Decay. Cavities tend to appear in difficult-to-brush areas, such as in between teeth or along the gum line, and are also the toughest to spot. These cavities can be detected with dental x-rays before they become much bigger. In a similar manner, dental fillings may get submerged in tooth decay, which may be undetectable without an x-ray. 
  • Jaw Alignment and Bite Issues. Improper jaw alignment is a common symptom in people with migraines or chewing issues. Important details on the alignment and structure of the jaw can be found with dental x-rays, which can assist professionals in determining the best places for corrective action. 
  • Gum Disease. Your dentist near Carrington will order dental x-rays if they suspect bone loss, which is frequently linked to gum disease. Any alterations to a patient’s tooth structure can be seen on a dental x-ray.
  • Oral infections. X-rays can reveal changes in the root canal or an abscess that would be invisible otherwise. A dentist may ask for a dental x-ray if a patient has recently had a root canal or any other surgery where there is a high risk of infection. 

A dental x-ray is required whenever a patient is preparing for any operation such as wisdom tooth extraction or implantation, as well as when they’re getting dentures or braces to make sure everything goes according to plan. Your dentist in NW Calgary may modify your operation to improve your chances of success if they notice something worrying during the initial dental X-ray.  

Make an Appointment with a Member of Our Team 

We will assist you in scheduling a dental x-ray that is both essential and safe. To address all of your dental needs, Sage Hill Dental offers family dentistry as well as cosmetic dentistry. Book your appointment right away.