Dentists always try to give the best possible care to his or her patients. And Dental X-Rays play a crucial role here! It can recognize problems that cannot be noticed with an oral exam.

When your dentist spots your disorders early, it can save you money and prevent discomfort too.

What kinds of problems do X-rays help determine?

In adults, X-rays detect:

Decay, primarily tiny parts of decay between teeth.
Bone loss inside your jaw.
Facial bone arrangement.
Alterations in the bone or root canal due to infection.
State and site of your teeth to make it ready for dental implants, braces, dentures or other dental proceedings.
Abscess (pus in the gum or tooth).
Dry mouth.
Decay under fillings.
Cysts and other kinds of tumors.
Periodontal disease.

In children, X-rays display:

If decay grows.
If there is adequate space in the mouth to accommodate all incoming teeth.
If wisdom teeth are coming up.
If teeth are impacted (unable to originate through the gums).

Types of dental X-rays

There are two kinds of dental X-rays:

Intraoral (the X-ray film is inside your mouth) –Intraoral radiographs give a great amount of detail. Your dentist can monitor the situation of your entire tooth (enamel to root).
Extraoral (the X-ray film is outside your mouth) – They display dental problems in the jaw and skull and provide little details of your tooth.

Intraoral X-rays include:

Bite-wing X-rays – It reveals the crown portion of your teeth. Your dentist can spot any symbols of decay and gum disease. It too helps during restorations and fillings.
Periapical X-rays- In this case only one tooth gets examined. It displays the whole tooth from the crown down to the root.
Occlusal X-rays – Reveals almost the full arch of your teeth on either the upper or lower jaw.

Extraoral X-rays include:

Panoramic X rays- It shows your whole mouth region to spot developing and impacted teeth in the upper or lower jaw. It also helps to diagnose tumors, cysts, impaction, jaw disorders and bone irregularities.
Cephalometric projections – This displays one full side of the head. It helps orthodontists choose the best teeth-realignment method.
Dental Computed (CT) Tomography- It displays your interior structures in 3D to recognize issues in facial bones like tumors, cysts, and fractures.

How often should teeth be X-rayed?

Well, this relies on your medical and dental history and present condition. If you’re a new patient, your trusted dentist may prescribe X-rays for your first dental exam. Some X-rays are done to monitor the condition of your dental health during your visits.

Are dental X-rays safe?

The amount of radiation emitting from X-rays is little. Nowadays, with digital X-rays, it further lessens radiation exposure.

Now if you’re looking for a ‘Dentist near me’ in Greenville, WI, then surely call us at Westhill Dental. Your Dentist in Greenville always ensures that you keep your teeth healthy for a lifetime and avoid all complications.