In the past, dentists mainly relied on looking at your teeth and gums for any problems. These days, they use dental x-rays to spot issues, even those hidden beneath the jawbone. X-rays are essential before any treatments are done to fix oral health issues. For example, if you have wisdom teeth, crooked teeth, or other dental concerns, your dentist or orthodontist will likely have you get an x-ray.
These x-rays provide critical information for checking your teeth’s health. They let dental professionals view the condition of your teeth and roots, and they help dentists see how your jaw and facial bones line up. Orthodontists also use x-rays before recommending any teeth correction methods, including braces, needing them both before and after application.
There are different types of dental x-rays based on their purpose:
– A general dental radiograph shows parts of your teeth and mouth, helping to detect tooth decay and gum issues.
– Sometimes, an x-ray captures the entire tooth structure, which is done regularly to spot any changes in the root and nearby bone.
– A full-mouth survey x-ray gives an image of the whole mouth, showing all the teeth positions, including impacted ones.
– Another type of x-ray focuses on monitoring the development of the upper and lower teeth arches, which is often used for children’s dental development.
Modern dental treatments make use of dental CT scans and 3D digital x-rays. Dental imaging is a crucial step before talking about any treatment plans. While it might seem a bit daunting, it’s worthwhile to learn what’s behind your toothache, even if your teeth seem fine.
Dental x-rays are not performed as frequently as regular dentist visits. The frequency depends on various factors like age, oral health, symptoms, and dental history. If it’s your first time, don’t worry. Your dental team is trained to keep the process as easy and stress-free as possible, and sometimes even enjoyable for kids.
A licensed dental radiologist or x-ray technician will assist you, capturing the necessary angle of your teeth or mouth as directed by your dentist. They make sure your exposure to radiation is minimal and that a good quality image is captured for diagnosis or treatment.
Dental imaging does involve exposure to radiation, but it’s very low and medically safe, even for children. Digital x-rays used today offer even less radiation than older x-ray films. Usually, you’ll wear a lead bib or apron to shield you from radiation exposure. However, it’s not recommended to undergo x-rays while pregnant, as radiation can be harmful to the fetus.
During the x-ray, the technician will guide you on how to position yourself. Proper positioning is important, so just follow their instructions to avoid needing a retake due to errors. They might make some adjustments and ask you to hold still for a few seconds to get the best image.
Dental x-rays are just part of the treatment process. Based on the x-ray results, your dentist will understand your dental issues better and create a plan to address them effectively. So, there’s no need to worry about getting a dental x-ray. You’ll be cared for by health professionals who ensure minimal radiation exposure and a comfortable experience.
