It’s likely that if you have been attending a dental practice regularly then you will have had x-rays (also known as radiographs) taken. But do you know why the dentist takes x-rays?
X-rays are an essential part of any dental care treatment plan. They allow the dentist to see areas they otherwise would not be able to examine with the naked eye. Having x-rays taken at your dental health check allows your dentists to diagnose potential dental issues before they become a larger issue.
These are the main reasons your dentist takes x-rays:
- Look for early stages of tooth decay
- Look underneath any restorations such as fillings or crowns for any tooth decay
- Look at the health of tooth roots
- Check the health of the bone levels around your teeth
- Determine if periodontal disease is an oral care issue
- To help diagnose which treatment is required
There are two main types of x-rays we use at Smile Essential Dental Practice in Leicester. These are called Bitewings and Periapicals. Both of these types of x-rays deliver a relatively low dose of radiation.
Bitewing x-rays are called bitewings because you bite down on a wing-shaped device to hold the x-ray film in place. They are used to capture an image of both the upper and lower molar and premolar teeth.
Bitewings can reveal cavities in between the teeth and underneath previous dental work, an area that dentists can’t visually inspect. Often at this early stage of decay, there may only be mild symptoms such as sweet or cold sensitivity. However, if left untreated the decay would advance. By the time it is visible to the naked eye or causes noticeable discomfort, more extensive work such as a root canal may be required. “
Bitewings are also useful for helping to diagnose periodontal disease and monitoring the bone levels around the teeth. Your dentist will compare x-rays he has taken over the years to see if there have been any significant changes.
Periapical x-rays capture images of two or three teeth down to the root. They can reveal an abscess caused by an infection or root caries, which are lesions at the bottom of the tooth.
If you’re a new patient and are looking at getting brace treatment or have extensive dental work already then it’s likely you may need a full mouth series of x-rays, which may involve both bitewings and periapical x-rays of the teeth.
How often should you have dental X-rays?
This depends, children and adults that are at greater risk of tooth decay may require follow up x-rays 6 months later. If you are at low risk then the dentist will take more than likely just take two bitewing x-rays every 2-3 years.
Remember if you’re at all concerned about having x-rays taken then discuss this with your dentist. They are always happy to discuss and advise.
