The Importance of X-Rays in Oral Health
What are dental X-rays used for?
Dental X-rays are used to examine any cavity or lesion in the tooth that we cannot see. That's why we need the help of the X-ray to look in those areas.
What is the dentist looking for in dental X-rays?
With dental X-rays, we're looking for anything that is out of the ordinary. It's basically white, black, or grayish in color. We look for gray areas where they're not supposed to be. If there's a gray area where it's not supposed to be, then we, from years of research and experience, determine what that is, such as a cavity or maybe an abscess at the root end of the tooth. That's what we're looking for.
What type of dental problems can be identified using dental X-rays?
Dental X-rays are used to identify cavities, especially between the teeth, how deep they are, and how big they are. They can also identify a root abscess. A dead tooth that needs a root canal can sometimes, and often does, develop an abscess at the root tip, and that's how we use dental X-rays.
Are there different types of dental X-rays?
Nowadays, digital X-rays use sensors. In the past, we had film and an X-ray unit that produced X-rays captured on film, much like photography. Today, everything is more digital. We have a sensor that captures the dental X-ray, which is like a light ray but invisible.
Nowadays, we use digital sensors that significantly reduce the amount of X-ray used. We may not even need to use an apron like before because the X-ray emitted from the digital X-ray is so minimal. With modern technology, it's better for our patients.
If you’re ready to schedule an exam or would like to learn more about our services, we’d love to hear from you. Call us at (210) 981-6018 or email [email protected]. We look forward to caring for your smile.