When it comes to maintaining your oral health, dental X-rays play a crucial role. They provide a detailed look at what’s happening beneath the surface of your teeth and gums, allowing your dentist to detect issues that aren’t visible during a regular exam.
At Sunderland Dentists, we use state-of-the-art X-ray technology to ensure we have the most accurate picture of your dental health.
In this guide, we’ll explain why dental X-rays are important, the different types of X-rays available, and what you can expect during the process.
Why Are Dental X-Rays Important?
Dental X-rays are an essential diagnostic tool that helps your dentist identify problems early, before they become more serious and costly to treat. Here’s why they’re so important:
- Detecting Tooth Decay: X-rays can reveal cavities between teeth or under existing fillings, areas that might not be visible during a standard dental examination.
- Monitoring Jawbone Health: X-rays show the condition of the bone supporting your teeth, which is particularly important for patients with periodontal disease or those considering dental implants.
- Assessing Tooth Development: For children and teens, X-rays are crucial for monitoring the growth and development of their teeth, ensuring there’s enough space for incoming teeth and detecting impacted teeth.
- Identifying Infections: X-rays can reveal abscesses, cysts, or other infections at the root of a tooth that may not be causing pain yet but require immediate attention.
- Planning Treatment: Whether you need braces, implants, or wisdom teeth removal, X-rays provide the detailed information needed to plan these treatments accurately.
One of our patients was experiencing mild discomfort but had no visible issues during a routine exam. An X-ray revealed a deep cavity between two teeth that was starting to reach the nerve. Thanks to the early detection, we were able to treat it with a filling before it required a more invasive procedure.
Types of Dental X-Rays
There are several types of dental X-rays, each serving a specific purpose. At Sunderland Dentists, we tailor the type of X-ray to your individual needs, ensuring we get the most useful information while minimising your exposure to radiation.
Bitewing X-Rays
Bitewing X-rays are the most common type and are typically taken during routine check-ups. They show the upper and lower back teeth in a single view, allowing your dentist to detect decay between teeth and monitor the bone levels that support them.
Periapical X-Rays
These X-rays focus on a specific tooth, capturing the entire tooth from the crown to the root and the surrounding bone. Periapical X-rays are often used to diagnose issues below the gum line or in the jaw, such as abscesses or impacted teeth.
Panoramic X-Rays
Panoramic X-rays provide a broad view of your entire mouth, including all your teeth, jaws, and surrounding structures. This type of X-ray is especially useful for detecting impacted teeth, assessing jawbone health, and planning orthodontic or surgical treatments.
Occlusal X-Rays
Occlusal X-rays are used to show the roof or floor of your mouth and are often used to track the development of teeth in children, detect extra teeth, or identify abnormalities in the mouth.
What to Expect During a Dental X-Ray
Having a dental X-ray is a quick and painless process, and at Sunderland Dentists, we make every effort to ensure you’re comfortable throughout. Here’s what you can expect:
1. Preparation
Before taking an X-ray, you’ll be asked to remove any jewellery or metal objects that could interfere with the image. You’ll then be given a lead apron to wear, which protects your body from unnecessary exposure to radiation.
2. Taking the X-Ray
For bitewing or periapical X-rays, you’ll be asked to bite down on a small piece of plastic that holds the X-ray film or sensor in place. The dentist or dental assistant will position the X-ray machine close to your face and take the image, which only takes a few seconds. Panoramic X-rays involve standing still while the machine rotates around your head, capturing a comprehensive image of your mouth.
3. Reviewing the Results
Once the X-rays are taken, they’ll be developed and reviewed by your dentist. At Sunderland Dentists, we use digital X-rays, which means the images are ready almost instantly. Your dentist will go over the results with you, explaining any findings and discussing any necessary treatment.
Are Dental X-Rays Safe?
Safety is a top priority at Sunderland Dentists, and we take every precaution to minimise your exposure to radiation. Modern digital X-rays emit very low levels of radiation – much lower than traditional film X-rays – making them safe for both adults and children. The amount of radiation from a dental X-ray is comparable to the natural radiation you’re exposed to from daily activities like watching television or spending time outdoors.
For pregnant patients, we recommend postponing non-essential X-rays until after delivery. However, if an X-ray is necessary due to a dental emergency, we take extra precautions to protect both mother and baby.
How Often Should You Have Dental X-Rays?
The frequency of dental X-rays depends on your individual needs and oral health. If you’re a new patient at Sunderland Dentists, we may recommend a full set of X-rays to establish a baseline for your dental health. For routine care, most patients require bitewing X-rays every one to two years, while those with a history of dental issues may need them more frequently.
Your dentist will determine the appropriate X-ray schedule based on your age, risk factors, and current oral health status. We personalise our approach to ensure you receive the right level of care without unnecessary exposure to X-rays.
Conclusion
Dental X-rays are a vital part of maintaining your oral health, providing detailed insights that help us deliver the best possible care. At Sunderland Dentists, we’re committed to using the latest technology to ensure your X-ray experience is safe, quick, and effective.
Whether you’re coming in for a routine check-up or need a more detailed examination, you can trust our team to provide the highest standard of care.
If you have any questions about dental X-rays or want to schedule an appointment, don’t hesitate to contact Sunderland Dentists. We’re here to help you achieve and maintain a healthy, beautiful smile.
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