Dental X-rays are a great way for your dentist to identify any oral health problems you may have. X-rays provide a thorough look at the teeth, gums, and surrounding bone structures, helping dentists find hidden issues that might not be apparent during a typical checkup. So, if you are wondering whether dental X-rays detect tooth infections, let’s dig deep into this.
How Does Dental X-Ray Work?
Dental X-rays use electromagnetic radiation to take pictures of your mouth, much like X-rays obtained in other regions of your body. The radiation beam images your teeth and bones as it travels through your soft tissues.
There are two different types of dental X-rays:
- Intraoral (taken within your mouth)
- Extraoral (taken outside your mouth)
Dental X-rays can be digital (taken with digital sensors and a computer) or traditional (taken with film). Compared to traditional dental X-ray machines, digital dental X-rays use 80% to 90% less radiation.
What Does Dental X-Ray Detect?
Dental X-rays can detect many dental issues, including:
Infections
Infections can occur near the root of teeth. These infections can result in discomfort and swelling if left untreated. A dentist can assess if an infection needs to be treated by taking an x-ray of the tooth’s root.
Cavities
Your dentist can detect certain big cavities with a visual inspection, but other cavities are not apparent to the unaided eye. Some cavities are tiny enough to go undetected, while others form between teeth or behind the gum line, where they are undetectable. A dentist can identify minor or hidden cavities with X-rays and fix them before they become serious issues.
Developing Teeth
Teeth that have not yet erupted or become apparent in the mouth are visible on X-rays. Dentists use X-rays to look for missing teeth and ensure that permanent teeth are growing appropriately. To ascertain if a patient is likely to require orthodontic treatment in the future, they could use X-rays.
Cysts and Tumors
A patient may get cysts or tumors in the mandible. A panoramic x-ray is a specialized type of x-ray that a dentist may use to examine the whole jaw for abnormal development.
Bone Health
A dentist can visually inspect the gums, but they cannot see the bone that holds the teeth and gums in place. In order to maintain good dental health, bone health is essential. Dental x-rays display the density and level of the tooth-supporting bone structure. This helps the dentist in figuring out whether the patient needs any particular gum care procedures.
How Often Should You Get Dental X-Rays?
Dental X-rays should be done once every 6 to 18 months for the majority of persons with healthy teeth and gums. However, you could require more regular X-rays if you have gum disease, recurrent decay, or other urgent oral health conditions.
Final Say!
Dental X-rays are necessary for maintaining and promoting good oral health. Your dentist can detect infections, cavities, and many other dental issues with dental X-rays. If you haven’t gotten a dental x-ray in 6 months, now is the time you consult our expert dentist, Dr. Ahmad Millwala, at Katy Cypress Oral Surgery & Implant Center.
Dial (281) 667-0607 to book an appointment.