What is a dental x-ray?
A dental x-ray is imaging that helps us to diagnose your dental condition. Radiation travels through the teeth and we can see the difference in how much radiation travels through the tooth, essentially. As more radiation passes through it, it appears as a dark spot, and we can differentiate different structures and conditions based on those images.
What is a dental x-ray used for?
A dental x-ray helps a dentist find and diagnose conditions such as cavities. Often, decay, or a cavity, is not visible to the naked eye. An x-ray allows us to detect it. Here's a quick rundown: as more radiation passes through the surface of the tooth, the image appears darker. When a dentist examines an x-ray, we look for dark spots, often where two teeth touch. This is the most common area for cavities because brushing typically cleans the chewing surface and sides of teeth, but not between them, highlighting the importance of flossing.
What is the dentist looking for in dental x-rays?
The focus of an x-ray depends on its purpose. The primary reason for taking an x-ray is to detect cavities, but we also assess bone levels. We check for infections, determining if they have reached the bone, often identified as an abscess. The specific condition we're investigating determines what we look for in an x-ray.
What type of dental problem can be identified using an x-ray?
We use x-rays to detect tooth decay and cavities, evaluate bone levels, diagnose periodontal disease, identify gum disease, and detect infections like abscesses. X-rays can also reveal other conditions, such as cysts, unrelated to the teeth themselves.
Are dental x-rays safe?
Dental x-rays are very safe. Most modern dental offices, including ours, use digital x-rays. The radiation exposure from digital x-rays is significantly less than that of traditional x-rays. For example, a full set of digital x-rays, comprising 18 images, is comparable to the radiation exposure from just 4 or 5 traditional x-rays.
Are there different types of dental x-rays?
Yes, there are different types of dental x-rays depending on what we are examining. For cavities between teeth, we use a bitewing x-ray, which captures images of the upper and lower teeth together. To investigate an infection and examine the root end, or apex, of the tooth, we use a periapical x-ray. For a comprehensive view of the mouth, we take a panoramic x-ray, which rotates around the head, displaying all teeth and jaw structures. We also use Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT), a 3D imaging technique that provides a complete view of the area, allowing us to rotate the image and examine it from various angles.
Are dental x-rays expensive?
Dental x-rays are generally inexpensive. If you have insurance, they are typically covered. Even without insurance, they remain very affordable.
What is the purpose of dental x-rays?
Dental x-rays enable us to diagnose various conditions, including cavities, periodontal disease, bone loss, and infections such as abscesses.
Can dental x-rays show periodontal disease?
Absolutely. Bitewing x-rays are excellent for this purpose because they show bone levels, allowing us to compare them to expected levels. We can also compare current x-rays to previous ones to detect bone loss. In our office, we use an AI program called OBRAJET, which excels at reading dental x-rays. It identifies bone loss, gum disease, cavities, and even small areas of calculus. This AI provides a second set of eyes and valuable feedback, enhancing our diagnostic confidence.
How can I schedule a dental exam?
Just give us a call at 845-358-5110. We'll be happy to schedule an appointment for you.
When should I schedule for a dental exam?
You should schedule a dental exam right away if you haven't had one recently. Give us a call at (845) 393-9059 to make an appointment.