THE INS & OUTS OF DENTAL X-RAYS
Have you recently gone to the dentist and thought, “Wow, they sure like taking a lot of X-rays of my teeth! I wonder why that is.”
Dental X-rays (sometimes called radiographs) play an important role in diagnosing and treating cavities and gum disease. X-rays allow the dentist to see between the teeth and in the bone; they also show abscesses, cysts, decay under old fillings, bone loss due to periodontal disease, tooth placement, and even infection. Additionally, X-rays allow the dentist to accurately judge the health of a tooth’s root.
According to the ADA (American Dental Association) and FDA, X-rays are recommended for adults every 6-36 months depending on a few factors, including family history, tobacco and alcohol use, active periodontal disease, etc. At Fourpoints Health, you can usually expect to get periodic X-rays done every 6-12 months.
The different types of X-rays that we take at our Fourpoints Health Clinic include the following:
- Panoramic: This type of X-ray goes around your head and allows the dentist to see all your teeth, including the wisdom teeth, your jaw, and temporomandibular joints.
- Bitewings: These X-rays allow for the diagnosis of cavities and tooth decay between the teeth. They also show bone levels and any calculus that may be hiding.
- Posteroanterior: Also called PA’s, these X-rays allow the dentist to focus on a specific tooth and see the whole tooth from the crown to the root. These X-rays can sometimes allow dentists to see cysts, abscesses, and infection.
If you’re concerned about radiation, there is no need to worry! Modern digital dental X-rays use minimal radiation to capture images. In fact, the radiation of a single dental X-ray is so low that it’s like eating a banana!
FourPoints Health offers dental services in Cedar City and Richfield, including cleanings, fillings, crowns, dentures, and extractions on a sliding-fee scale. To learn more, click here.