Dental x-rays are vital to preventing these common issues!
One of the main reasons to regularly visit a dentist is to detect dental problems as soon as possible. By doing so, you’ll nip potentially serious problems in the bud before they have a chance to cause severe or irreparable damage. However, routine oral exams alone can miss a number of issues, which is why dental X-rays are so important.
What can X-rays reveal?
X-rays allow your dentist to see between, beneath and inside your teeth. In particular, the roots of your teeth and the bones of your jaw are made visible. Here are some of the major issues dental X-rays can reveal:
- Early cavities that are easy to miss during a visual exam
- Early signs of periodontal disease or infections
- Decay beneath fillings, which would otherwise go unnoticed
- Bone loss associated with disease
- Tartar and decay between crowded teeth
- Signs of tumors or cysts that aren’t visible during an oral exam
X-rays are also useful for monitoring how children’s permanent teeth are growing and how someone’s wisdom teeth are erupting. Because dental X-rays allow for early detection of dental issues, problems can be addressed quickly and at a much lower cost than if they were allowed to become more serious.
Are dental X-rays safe?
Modern technology has reduced the radiation exposure involved in this process to negligible levels. Moreover, many dental offices now use digital X-rays, which further minimize exposure. The short of it is that you have nothing to worry about when getting an X-ray.
How often are X-rays needed?
As we all have unique oral health needs, dentists evaluate when X-rays are required by patients on a case-by-case basis. However, it’s typically recommended that otherwise healthy patients have them performed every two years. A dentist will often recommend that new patients have X-rays taken in order to have a comprehensive picture of their oral health.
Dentists in Edmonton
Dental X-rays shouldn’t cause any apprehension. On the contrary, they should give you peace of mind. At Janz Family Dental, we put a premium on patient comfort and use digital X-ray technology, which makes the process safer, healthier and more pleasant. If you’re looking for a dentist, we’re always delighted to welcome new patients at our dental clinic in the Jasper Place neighbourhood in West Edmonton. For more information about dental X-rays, or to schedule an appointment or a checkup, contact us today!
