X-ray
Today, doctors and patients can see more on X-rays than ever before thanks to advanced technology. Special sensors that use 90 percent less radiation can create an image on a screen in our dental office, providing the ultimate clarity for our staff. But how much of a role exactly does a dental X-ray play in the overall treatment of a patient?
Let’s begin with defining a dental X-ray. Dental professionals take pictures of the teeth, bones, and soft tissues around them to help them find problems with the teeth, mouth, and jaw. X-rays can show cavities, wisdom teeth, as well as bone loss that are impossible to see during a visual examination.
Many family dentists will conduct a full-mouth series of periapical X-rays during a patient’s first visit. These particular X-rays can be used to spot dental problems below the gum line or in the jaw, such as impacted teeth, cysts, tumors, and bone changes linked to some diseases. There are several other types of dental X-rays such as bitewing, occlusal, and panoramic that will show tooth decay and other potential problems.
Importance of Regular X-rays from a Family Dentist
It’s common for dentists to schedule patients for X-rays about once a year, or every other six-month cleaning. They are done to:
- Find the above problems mentioned as soon as possible, before any symptoms are present.
- Locate teeth that are not in the right place or do not break through the gum properly. Your dentist will refer to teeth that are crowded to break through the gums as impacted.
- Spot permanent teeth growing in the jaw in children who still have baby teeth.
- Plan treatment for cavities, root canal surgery, placement of dental implants, as well as difficult tooth removals.
- Help begin orthodontic treatment for teeth that aren’t lined up straight.
The Dental X-ray Process
Having an X-ray done is a safe, painless process typically done from the same room where you have your teeth cleaned.
- One of our dental technicians will cover you with a heavy lead apron while you sit upright in a chair. This apron shields your body from the X-ray.
- We will have you bite down on a small piece of cardboard or plastic that holds the actual X-ray film. In order to get proper pictures of all your teeth, this may be done several times.
- You can rinse your mouth following the X-ray and continue with the rest of your cleaning.
How to Get Started
At Avue Cosmetic Dentistry, our mission is to always provide the highest quality of dental care in Plano. As both a family and cosmetic dentist, Dr. Trent Nguyen is committed to offering the most advanced services in restorative and cosmetic dentistry. That places great significance on an accurate X-ray.
In addition to dental X-rays, our team consistently maintains the most innovative methods of sterilization and infection control to meet OSHA standards. Patient safety and well-being are always at the top of our list, whether you’re in need of a routine cleaning or emergency dental care.
Contact Avue Cosmetic Dentistry and get started with your first visit.
