In general dentistry, dental X-rays are an essential part of oral health. The fact is that there are only so many things dentists can see through an oral examination, and taking a closer look at the underlying supporting structures of teeth tell a story about one’s oral health that is valuable to the general dentist when treating patients.
Many are hesitant to receive a dental X-ray. By learning more about the issues that a dental X-ray can detect, the benefits of dental X-rays and how often one is needed, you can better understand why they are important.
Dental X-rays, also referred to as radiographs, are images of the interior of the teeth and gums. They provide a more in-depth look at the state of the patient’s teeth and can detect a variety of oral health issues that are hard to see via an oral examination. These issues include but are not limited to:
They are often required before a procedure such as teeth straightening. Most importantly, they can detect early signs of issues to ensure that any problems do not worsen.
Dental X-rays play a vital role in detecting signs of an oral health complication as early as possible to ensure that the issue is properly treated. In some instances, they can detect signs of oral cancer, which allows the patient to properly prepare for treatment before the cancer spreads. In less severe cases, dental X-rays may detect the earliest signs of gum disease and allow the patient to take the necessary steps to prevent it from worsening.
General dentistry practices typically order a dental X-ray on the first visit with a new patient. This allows them to get a better idea of the patient's oral health before they recommend or begin any treatment. Afterward, a dental X-ray is not necessary for every visit. While general dentists may have their own idea of how often a dental X-ray is needed, most suggest that patients receive a new one annually. This way, they are not performing too many dental X-rays, but it still allows them to get updated versions of the patient’s oral health to ensure that there are no new concerning developments.
To learn more about the importance of dental X-rays or if you need a checkup visit or treatment for an oral health concern, feel free to reach out to our friendly team to arrange a convenient time to come in and see us. We are happy to answer your questions and help you on your path to better oral health.
Request an appointment here: https://whiteflintfamilydental.com or call White Flint Family Dental at (301) 273-1085 for an appointment in our Rockville office.
Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.
As a child’s mouth and teeth develop into adolescence, it may become apparent that there are problems with alignment or spacing. Invisalign® for teens presents an alternative to traditional metal braces but without sacrificing the quality of results of corrective treatment. The specifics of a teen’s condition may impact the eligibility of this alignment option,…
A popular way to straighten teeth without traditional braces is Invisalign®. Clear aligners are available for both adults and teenagers who are interested in improving the alignment of their teeth and improving the appearance of their smiles. The aligners are not visible in the mouth and do not have metal components that can irritate sensitive…
Implant supported dentures combine traditional dentures with permanent dental implants to provide a stable and secure tooth restoration option. Unlike traditional removable dentures, this option is supported by two or more dental implants rather than your gum tissues. The additional stability of dental implants may make it simpler to bite and chew meals, particularly with…
Misaligned teeth are not just an aesthetic issue; they can lead to numerous problems, including oral pain, speech, and digestive issues, and increased tooth decay and gum disease. Invisalign® for teens is very effective in straightening teeth for improved confidence and better oral health. This type of treatment also offers unique perks that traditional braces…
As a child’s mouth and teeth develop into adolescence, it may become apparent that there are problems with alignment or spacing. Invisalign® for teens presents an alternative to traditional metal braces but without sacrificing the quality of results of corrective treatment. The specifics of a teen’s condition may impact the eligibility of this alignment option,…
A popular way to straighten teeth without traditional braces is Invisalign®. Clear aligners are available for both adults and teenagers who are interested in improving the alignment of their teeth and improving the appearance of their smiles. The aligners are not visible in the mouth and do not have metal components that can irritate sensitive…