General dentistry allows people to seek dental treatments from someone who knows them well. It is important to give an accurate diagnosis. This is possible with the use of dental X-rays. If you want to know if dental X-rays are advisable in general dentistry, here are the details.
Decades ago, a dental X-ray was a long and laborious process. Advances in general dentistry have brought the digital process of taking dental X-rays. Even so, the patient still will be a little uncomfortable during the X-ray. Despite the awkwardness, dental X-rays provide dentists complete information about the patient’s mouth. These X-rays show the details in the patient’s jaw placement, teeth, and roots. This helps the general dentist catch and treat any problem early.
Solid objects like bones and teeth absorb X-ray energy. These show as light-colored images. The energy passes through thinner objects. These are the cheeks and gums. They tend to appear as dark images. Any problem a general dentistry oral exam cannot detect can show in a dental X-ray.
High-energy radiation makes dental X-ray images possible. Low-density tissue in vital organs and skin cannot take in this type of radiation. The energy merely passes through these tissues. The harder materials in the body absorb this type of radiation. These are the teeth and bones. Digital or film sensors can measure the rate and degree of absorption.
There are different types of dental X-rays. The dental X-ray a patient gets at the clinic depends on the purpose of the appointment. A patient can get either a diagnostic or therapeutic dental X-ray. The dentist will determine which one will help the patient more.
A general dentistry checkup may involve a diagnostic X-ray. The dentist will need it to establish a custom-fit treatment plan for the patient. A root canal procedure will need a periapical diagnostic X-ray. With this, the dentist aims to take a complete image of the patient’s tooth. This involves taking photos from the crown to the root. The images will help the dentist create a comprehensive treatment plan.
Some general dentistry visits need therapeutic X-rays. This is the kind a patient gets during a teeth cleaning or oral examination. This type of dental X-ray gives the dentist a complete view of the patient’s gums and teeth. There could be some areas in need of further checking.
A patient does not need a dental X-ray during every appointment. It is standard to get dental X-rays once every two or three years. More frequent dental X-rays are for patients who suffer from oral issues. It depends on what the general dentistry care provider decides.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: General Dentistry Services in Poway, CA
Dental X-rays may sound intimidating and time-consuming to some people. But with the latest technology, this procedure is now faster and more convenient. A dental X-ray happens in the general dentistry clinic. An appointment with your dentist will determine if and what kind of dental X-ray you must get.
Request an appointment or call Oak Tree Dental at 858-377-5533 for an appointment in our Poway office.
There are common general dentistry treatments available at the dental office. General dentistry typically focuses on preventive and restorative treatments to ensure a patient’s optimal oral health. In most cases, if a person has a dental issue, one of these standard procedures will most likely be the solution.The following are common treatments available at the…
General dentistry can help you develop good oral health habits in many ways. Going to the dentist’s office will also reduce your risk of having cavities and gum disease. But visiting the dentist every six months is not enough to promote healthy, strong teeth and gums. Daily habits such as brushing your teeth are vital.…
General dentistry focuses on keeping your teeth and gums healthy. Teeth cleanings are one of the staples of general dentistry, and the American Association of Dentists recommends getting them at least two times per year. The procedure protects teeth against tooth decay and gum disease.Tooth decay and gum disease are the top two reasons people…