During your normal physical, your doctor doesn’t take X-rays. Only when you break a bone or have other problems, you need to get an X-ray with the physician. So, why does the dentist need to take X-rays of your mouth when you go in for just a routine checkup every six months?
Taking only a few minutes to capture, dental X-rays play an integral, necessary role in your regular dental checkups and in more complex treatments. Continue reading to learn how your dentist uses this technology to help your smile stay healthy and strong.
Why Does the Dentist Take X-Rays?
If your dentist examines your mouth visually, it may seem unnecessary to get X-rays taken. However, as helpful as that little mirror is at revealing more hidden areas of your teeth and gums, there are places that your dentist simply cannot see with the naked eye, such as between teeth and underneath the enamel layer.
X-rays show information that cannot be identified through a visual exam, such as how deep into the tooth a cavity reaches, early stages of cavity development, wisdom teeth, and jawbone deterioration. These details are essential for proper diagnosis and treatment and can help you avoid painful situations in the future as a result.
Are Dental X-Rays Safe?
In the past, concerns about radiation exposure made patients hesitant to get dental X-rays. Rest assured that modern X-rays involve significantly less exposure to radiation than older technology, and the clearer digital image is available for the dentist’s review within seconds, instead of having to be developed in a dark room.
When You Need More “Complex X-Rays”
As advanced as digital X-rays have become, technology has progressed further, and another imaging device reveals even more information: a cone beam CT scanner. This device surrounds the patient’s entire head and compiles hundreds of images to create a 3D digital model of the oral cavity that shows much more than bone and enamel—this result shows blood vessels, nerve endings, and other oral structures. Knowing this information, your dentist can plan, in great detail, complicated procedures and avoid complications.
In addition to planning dental implant placement, a CBCT scan can be used for looking at the airway and treating sleep apnea, examining potential issues with the jaw joint, and other complex problems.
Unlike your physician, your dentist takes advantage of X-ray and cone CT technology on a regular basis to improve your oral health, treatment, and overall dental experience. The next time you have your dental checkup, you can appreciate that your X-rays will lead to better care!
About the Practice
Dr. Jason Parli and Dr. Alexis Gersten have more than 20 years of clinical experience practicing at Beach Dental. Although they have the advanced training and cutting-edge technology for complex treatment like dental implant placement, they encourage simple preventive care as much as possible. Patients coming to Beach Dental come from many areas, including Westhampton, East Moriches, Westhampton Beach, East Quogue, and Manorville. To schedule an appointment, contact us online or call 631-325-0731.