You may be wondering why you need X-rays at the dentist. After all, you can see your teeth just fine without them. Well, X-rays are an important part of dental care for a few reasons. First of all, they help dentists detect cavities and other problems with your teeth that aren’t visible to the naked eye. Secondly, they are vital for creating a treatment plan for dental issues. Without X-rays, it would be much more difficult for dentists to provide quality care for their patients! Keep reading to learn why this procedure is important to maintaining good oral health.
How do dental X-rays work?
A small amount of radiation is used to take pictures of your teeth. This radiation is very low and poses no risk to your health. In fact, you’re exposed to more radiation from everyday activities like flying in an airplane or even just being outside on a sunny day! Dental X-rays are quick and easy, and they provide invaluable information that helps keep your teeth healthy.
When should you get an X-ray?
You don’t need to get an X-ray every time you visit the dentist. In fact, most people only need them once a year or so. However, there are some cases where dentists may recommend more frequent X-rays. For example, if you have a history of cavities, your dentist may want to take X-rays more often to keep an eye on your teeth. If you have a specific dental concern, X-rays may be recommended to get a closer look.
What is the dentist looking for with an X-ray?
When your dentist takes an X-ray, they are looking for a few different things, including:
- Cavities. Cavities show up as dark spots on X-rays, so they are easy to see.
- Tooth Decay and Tooth Damage. The dentist is looking for any signs of tooth decay or other damage. X-rays allow these issues to be found early – before they become painful problems.
- Tooth Alignment and Bite Issues. X-rays can also be used to check the alignment of your teeth or to look for any problems with your bite.
- Preventative Care. X-rays are used for preventive care, such as checking for gum disease or bone loss.
Finding these problems on an X-ray allows them to be treated before they become painful and obvious, which is a much larger issue!
Schedule your appointment!
So there you have it! Now you know why X-rays are an important part of dental care. If you live in Northern Nevada or the Reno/Sparks area, and have any other questions about dental X-rays or any other aspect of dental care, call our office today! Our team can answer all of your questions and help you schedule an appointment today!
