Dental X-Rays: How They Work & When to Get Them

Dental X-rays are an essential part of any dental care treatment plan. They are diagnostic, but they can also be preventative, by helping a dentist diagnose potential oral care issues in a patient's mouth before they become major problems. These X-rays capture images of the interior of your teeth and gums, providing crucial information not visible to the naked eye.
 

What are Dental X-Rays and How Do They Work?

Dental X-rays are a type of imaging that uses low levels of radiation to capture images of the inside of your teeth and gums. But how do they work exactly? The process involves placing a lead vest over your body to protect it from the X-ray, and then a tiny device is inserted into your mouth, which sends out controlled rays that interact with the tissues in your mouth and create images of your teeth and gums.
 

The X-rays pass through the soft tissues of your mouth, such as your cheeks and gums, and are absorbed by the dense teeth and bone in your jaw. This absorption difference creates the images. The procedure is quick and painless and provides invaluable insights into your oral health.
 

The images that dental X-rays produce help dental professionals visualize diseases of the teeth and surrounding tissue that cannot be seen with a simple oral exam. They help the dentist find cavities, look at the tooth roots, check the health of the bone surrounding the tooth, determine if periodontal disease is an oral care issue, and see the status of developing teeth.
 

Different Types of Dental X-Rays

There are various types of dental X-rays, each serving a unique purpose.
 

Periapical X-rays show the whole tooth — from the crown to the root and the bones that support the tooth. These X-rays are used to find dental problems below the gum line or in the jaw, such as impacted teeth, abscesses, cysts, tumors, and bone changes linked to some diseases.
 

Panoramic X-rays give a broad overview of the entire mouth and are used to detect impacted teeth, monitor development and growth, and identify potential tumors and cysts.
 

Each of these X-rays serves a specific purpose and helps your dentist diagnose different issues. They are vital tools in the maintenance of your oral health.
 

When to Get Dental X-Rays

The frequency of dental X-rays depends on your medical and dental history and current condition. Some people may need X-rays as often as every six months, while others who do not have recent dental or gum disease and who regularly receive checkups might require them every couple of years or even less.
 

If you are a new patient, your dentist may recommend X-rays to determine the present status of your oral health and to help identify changes that may occur later on. A new set of X-rays may be needed to help your dentist detect any new cavities, determine the status of your gum health, or evaluate the growth and development of your teeth.
 

Dental X-Rays in Dental Health and Prevention

Dental X-rays play a significant role in dental health and prevention. They provide a unique view of the mouth that is not possible with a visual exam alone. They help to identify early signs of decay, disease, and development complications, which can save you from future pain and expenses.
 

If you haven't had dental x-rays recently, or if you are experiencing any oral health issues, visit Towne Lake Family Dentistry at our office in Woodstock, Georgia. Please call (770) 525-8581 to schedule an appointment today.