If you have a problem with your teeth or gums, your dentist will first need to carefully examine your oral condition before starting any treatment. However, the visual examination does not always provide you with all the information needed. This is where the need for dental x-rays arises.
A dental X-ray performed by a dentist in Miami can detect any decay or cavities that are not visible through the naked eye. These may seem complex; however, they are very important tools for ensuring good dental health.
If you have a toothache or other gum issues, a family dentist in Doral and Fontainebleau, Miami can diagnose your condition and help you get rid of the problem.
What is a dental X-ray?
X-rays allow your dentist to get a deeper look at your oral health condition. With this technology, your dentist can see between and inside of your teeth. It helps them to check for any disease or issue that is not visible to the naked eye.
They can accurately diagnose and treat dental problems before they become severe. Dental X-rays can also show the following:
- Decay beneath fillings
- Small areas of decay between teeth
- Cysts and other tumors
- Bone loss in the jaw due to gum disease
- Abscesses
- Help determine what kind of tooth implant, braces, or dentures are required for the patient’s condition.
What are the types of X-rays?
There are different types of X-rays available that record a slightly different picture of your mouth. These are as follows:
- Bitewing: In this procedure, the patient is asked to bite down a special type of paper, which allows the dentist to see how well the crowns of your teeth match up. This is often used to check interdental cavities.
- Occlusal: This X-ray is done with a closed jaw. It allows your dentist to see how your lower and upper teeth line up. It can capture your entire teeth in one shot.
- Panoramic: As the name suggests, this process involves an X-ray machine rotating around your head. This helps your dentist to check for wisdom teeth or detect any underlying jaw problem.
How does a dental X-ray work?
X-rays consist of two to four bitewing X-rays that allow your dentist to check any signs of decay by showing the crown portions of your teeth. The X-ray is taken by placing a bite plate between your teeth while the X-ray machine is positioned on one side of your mouth. It is taken from the outside of your mouth and gives a big image of the entire oral cavity.
To get the full picture, the X-ray machine is revolved around the circumference of your teeth. It covers every tooth, including jawbone and sinus areas, which helps your dentist detect any jawbone disorders that you may have.
Dental X-rays, however, emit low levels of radiation and are considered safe. However, to avoid any risk, your dentist may use an apron to cover your body. This allows the lowest amount of X-ray radiation and mitigates risk.
Dentists in Miami guide you through each step of the X-ray process. For safety, they might move out of the room and ask you to stand still while the pictures are being recorded.
Are dental x-rays safe?
While dental X-rays are very crucial for examining your oral condition and treating any underlying issue, you might have concerns about their safety. The ADA research shows that dental X-rays are safe. These rays expose you to low radiation levels. However, the risk associated with them is also very low.
The Next Step
A dental X-ray is very crucial to determine any underlying issue and start treatment immediately. These machines have become an indispensable part of dental treatments today. If you never had an X-ray of your mouth before, schedule an appointment with a dentist in Miami today to ensure optimal dental health.
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