Dental X-rays Explained

We all have unique oral care needs. So how often you need dental X-rays depends on your particular oral health. But if you’re prone to tooth decay, your dentist may recommend dental X-rays annually to identify weak spots and treat them before the decay progresses.

There are several other situations that might require dental X-rays. If you switch to a new dentist, the new dentist may want to take X-rays to help him or her become more familiar with your teeth and any problems that you have. A new dentist might also ask your previous dentist to send any old X-rays in order to have a complete history of your dental care.

Children and teens may need X-rays more often than adults because their teeth and jaws aren’t yet fully developed. Also, your dentist will take X-rays before a procedure such as a root canal or tooth extraction.

Here’s how dental X-rays work: When the X-rays pass through the mouth, the teeth and bones absorb more of the ray than the gums and soft tissues, so the teeth appear lighter on the final X-ray image (called a radiograph). Areas of tooth decay and infection look darker because they don’t absorb as much of the X-ray. Dentists can use the information from an X-ray to identify infections, abscesses and even small cysts and tumors. They also can identify developmental abnormalities, such as impacted wisdom teeth.

The appearance of fillings and crowns on an X-ray depends on what they are made of. Some appear dark and some appear light. No matter what type of dental restoration or implant you have, your 1300SMILES dentist can use X-rays to help identify any areas that need attention or adjustment.

Article Source Oral B