Many dental patients have come to expect X-rays as a part of routine dental care. Once or twice a year, a patient may be asked to undergo this simple procedure that provides pictures of the teeth above and below the gum line.
Healthy patients rarely have to think beyond holding still for a moment so that the camera can capture a good image, but others are keenly aware of what the results mean. The results of X-rays can help the dentist detect cavities, prepare the patient for a procedure, and monitor the progression of disease.
Though most patients do not have to receive X-rays more than once a year as a part of routine dental care, other people have a dental condition that requires this imaging as a part of the treatment planning. Here are three ways in which a dentist may use X-rays to help care for patients.
For children and healthy patients, annual X-rays are used to find cavities, watch for signs of decay, and make sure there is enough room for teeth that have not yet erupted. Occasionally, an X-ray at a regular checkup appointment can reveal a more serious problem such as a hidden cavity below the gums, a tumor, or an issue with how a patient’s teeth are erupting from the gums.
Patients who receive implants or braces or who are about to undergo wisdom tooth removal may need X-rays to check on the state of their gums, tissues, or hidden wisdom teeth. Investigating what is going on beneath the gums can give dentists a clearer idea of how to proceed with the patient’s scheduled treatment.
Patients who have severe decay or a history of several dental procedures, or those who are at risk for gum disease or other dental issues, may be advised to receive X-rays on a more regular basis. With these results, the dentist can devise treatment plans for individual patients.
Healthy patients who have no dental conditions aside from the odd cavity can continue to receive X-rays every 12 to 18 months as part of routine dental care appointments. Adolescents may need more frequent X-rays to detect the eruption of wisdom teeth. Adults who have current gum disease, or a history of gum issues, need frequent X-rays at the site of disease.
Children who do not have all of their baby teeth and adults who do not have any teeth may not need X-rays unless there is evidence of dental disease. A dentist is able to further advise in these situations.
Receiving X-rays is an important part of routine dental care. Patients of all ages should remember to attend regular dental visits and participate in receiving X-rays to monitor oral health and prevent serious dental problems in the future.
Are you considering routine dental care in the Kennett Square area? Get more information at https://www.leardidental.com.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Routine Dental Care in Kennett Square, PA.
Wondering if you can do a few things to improve your dental care? Yes, there are! In fact, there are many things you can do every single day to support your good oral health. Of course, you need to brush your teeth at least twice a day, though preferably every time after eating. You also…
Have you ever wondered why routine dental visits are important? Most people are familiar with dentists recommending that a person makes an appointment once or twice a year. Many people go without doing so because of a lack of understanding of why it actually matters. After all, if it is simply a dentist trying to…
Don't ruin your weekend with dental health issues. Keep up regular routine dental care for a healthier lifeRoutine dental care is important for a healthy set of teeth. While we can provide routine dental care during appointments, you need to keep it up at home through brushing twice a day and flossing once a day.Routine…
Brushing and flossing on a regular basis are great for one’s oral health, but there are still ways in which people can unintentionally harm the health of their teeth. Many people know that sugar is bad for the enamel of one’s teeth but may not realize there are other foods that can cause as much…
A kid-friendly dentist treats oral health concerns in children. However, an equally important part of their job is to work with parents to improve their child’s oral hygiene at home. This is because the majority of oral care takes place away from the office, so parents knowing how to help their child maintain a beautiful…
A dental implants restoration can replace a missing tooth that falls out naturally, gets knocked out or is extracted. A dental implant restoration is often recommended after tooth extraction, as it prevents bone loss from occurring and offers cosmetic and functional benefits. There are several ways to replace a missing tooth after an extraction, including with…