So you come in for your routine dental cleaning and they say it: “We’re going to start with some X-rays.” Some people don’t think twice about it, but some of us wonder why we need them. You people who wonder why, this post is for you. X-rays are an important tool in both general and cosmetic dentistry and help us provide you with the best dental care at Prime Smile. Read this and the next time you come in for dental X-rays in Massachusetts, you’ll know what’s going on.
Here’s how dental X-rays help dentists provide the best care to their patients.
What do dental X-rays show?
Although dentists can see a lot from a routine oral exam, dental X-rays show more than just what they can see by looking inside your mouth. Dentists also use X-rays for different reasons for adults and children. In adults, X-rays can show small areas of decay between teeth, or if there is decay underneath an existing cavity. They can also show the effects of gum disease and help dentists prepare for procedures such as dental implants. In kids, dental X-rays show if their adult teeth are coming in properly or if they are going to have any problems, like impacted wisdom teeth.
What are the types of dental X-rays?
There are two types of dental X-rays, intraoral and extraoral. Intraoral x-rays are the most common and are images taken inside your mouth. They are the type that show details and help the dentist monitor the health of your teeth and jawbone. Extraoral, as you might expect, are taken outside of your mouth. An extraoral X-ray shows the whole skull. Dentists use those images to spot problems between your teeth and jaw, like TMJ.
How often do you need dental X-rays?
How often you need dental X-rays depends on your age and the condition of your teeth. Kids with a history of cavities should get X-rays every 6-12 months. Every 1-2 years is enough for kids without a history of cavities. For adults with healthy teeth, dentists recommend X-rays every 2-3 years. Adults who have had restorative work done, such as crowns, implants, fillings, or bridges, should get X-rays every 12-18 months so that their dentist can monitor how the restorations are holding up.
Dental X-Rays in Massachusetts at Prime Smile
Dental X-rays are an important part of dental care. If it has been a while since a dentist took images of your teeth, Prime Smile can provide dental X-Rays in Massachusetts. It is one of the best tools dentists have to monitor and track your oral health.
