5 Reasons Why Dentists need to take X-rays
5 Reasons Why Dentists need to take X-rays
- Look for decay in teeth. If there is decay hiding under an old filling, crown or deep between two teeth it will not be visible to the naked eye during a routine examination. For this reason X-rays are recommended every 2 years to make sure no cavities go unnoticed.
- Check for bone loss. X-ray will show how much bone has been lost around a tooth. This will help the dentist to determine if there is progressive periodontitis (severe gum disease). Bone also needs to be checked if an implant is being placed, to make sure bone is sufficient and strong enough to hold the implant.
- Look for infection at the tip of the tooth root. If there is severe toothache, dentist needs to determine if it’s coming from an infected nerve in the tooth or from the gum around the tooth the X-ray will clarify what’s causing the pain and how it should be treated.
- Examine the area when planning a certain procedure. It is crucial to know the shape and length of the root prior to taking the tooth out, to know if there are any areas to avoid, for example a nerve that may be sitting next to a tooth.
- Certain dental X-rays can check for abnormalities such as cysts and tumours in other head structures, such as sinuses, jaw joints and jaw bone.
So next time your dentist recommends you to have an X-ray think twice before declining it!
