Why Do I Need Dental X-Rays?

In most some medical situations, diagnostic films are taken when you have symptoms.  Examples would include suspected broken bones after an accident, mysterious painful spots in your abdomen, and lumps or bumps that need to be identified.  On the other hand, there are times when you are simply trying to be preventive and find abnormalities before they become bigger and more costly to treat.  Both of these scenarios are where dental x-rays come into play. Let’s look at some of the things a dental X-ray is likely to discover.

  • Cavities
  • Bone Loss
  • Open Crown Margins
  • Broken Teeth
  • Failed Implants
  • Tartar
  • Abscesses (infection)
  • Impacted Teeth
  • Cysts
  • Tumors
  • Sinus Problems
  • Jaw Joint Issues

 

As you can see, we are looking for much more than decay!

Let me give you a great visual of something that I found on a dental x-ray that would most likely have been passed right over with my eyes and explorer:

This resorption didn’t look too feisty with a visual once over, but boy does this digital radiograph tell a different story!  Unfortunately this situation may lead to the loss of another tooth.

If you are worried about X-rays being bad for you, rest assured that the doses are very low and the risk of NOT finding things like this are far worse than the benefit of early detection.  Your dental office will only takes the necessary X-rays for your age, habits and risk factors.

Want to learn even more about how often you should have X-rays and why we might refuse to see you when you won’t have them taken?  CLICK THIS FILE —> dental-x-rays

Have you ever refused X-rays at your dentist?  What was your reasoning?

 

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