When you get a dental checkup and cleaning, you should be prepared to have x-rays of your mouth taken. Dental X-rays, also known as radiographs, are completely safe, and getting them done every year is important for a few reasons – keep reading to learn some of the many reasons you should say yes to dental x-rays in Canonsburg.
X-Rays Give a View Beneath the Surface
There are some things your dental team just can’t see with a visual check of your teeth and gums. X-rays provide a more comprehensive image, showing between and underneath the teeth to help detect and diagnose an array of potential issues.
Some of the things your dentist can only see with a radiograph include:
- Cavities between the teeth
- Cysts on the bone that may indicate oral cancer
- Decay or damage underneath a filling
- Disintegration of the jaw bone due to gum disease
- Tooth alignment issues
- Extra teeth beneath the gum line (especially wisdom teeth)
Catching all of these issues sooner rather than later can help save you time and money. It is far easier to treat problems early before they become more significant issues.
Types of Dental X-Rays
There are a number of different kinds of x-rays, with bitewing, periapical, and panoramic being the most common at the dentist’s office. A bitewing radiograph allows your dentist to see spots of decay between the molars, and periapical gives a good view of just one or two teeth. Just like the name implies, panoramic X-rays provide a more comprehensive view of the entire mouth in a single image. This type of X-ray is invaluable for diagnosing issues with the jaw bone or identifying cysts and tumors.
What to Expect When Getting X-Rays
The good news is that X-rays are quite simple to capture and do not require anything special on your part. Bitewing and periapical radiographs are taken as you sit comfortably in the dental chair. The assistant or hygienist will lay a protective cover over your chest and stomach if you like as the X-rays are captured. You will stand for a panoramic X-ray, and the imaging device rotates around your head.
X-rays are stored digitally for easy access. When you return for your next appointment, your dentist can refer back to them and compare the new images to note any changes that could indicate the need for treatment.
If it’s been longer than a year since you last had radiographs, you are missing out on an important aspect of your preventive dental care. Don’t wait to book your next checkup and cleaning – with X-rays!
Meet the Dentist
Dr. Raj Vekariya provides premiere dentistry for patients of Center One Dental. He earned his doctorate at New York University’s College of Dentistry, and he recommends all patients receive dental X-rays annually! To learn more about why or to schedule an appointment, Dr. Vekariya can be reached via his website or by phone at (724) 300-3700.