DENTAL X-RAYS
Nowadays it is very common that when you visit your dentist, you are asked to take an x-ray. There are many reasons to take an x-ray, either dental (periapical) or panoramic, which will allow our dentists in Oxnard, Santa Paula, Ventura, Newbury Park or Port Hueneme to be a fundamental tool to evaluate the parts of the mouth and detect hidden conditions that are not seen with the naked eye. This helps them to obtain an accurate diagnosis of some oral diseases, or to make a complete evaluation of all the structures.
1. WHAT ARE DENTAL X-RAYS?
They are images of the teeth and their neighboring structures that are obtained by an X-ray machine. These devices emit electromagnetic waves that can pass through teeth, bone, and tissues and then to form an image on a “film”; this can be “analog” (conventional) or digital. There are different types of dental x-rays; we have the intraoral and extraoral, being the most common the Periapical and Panoramic.
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Dental Cavities:
They permit dentists to visualize cavities between teeth (interproximal) that can be tricky to detect through typical clinical examinations. Furthermore, they aid in the detection of cavities that have developed under previous dental fillings.
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Periodontal Ailment:
Identifying this condition and starting treatment can aid in delaying its progression.
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Tooth abscess and cysts::
Detecting these conditions is impossible with the unaided eye, highlighting the need for radiographs, given their occurrence at the tooth’s apex.
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Back molars:
They allow us to observe their arrangement and how they interact with nearby structures, aiding in the decision of extraction or preservation within the mouth.
5. WHY ARE X-RAYS IMPORTANT FOR DENTISTS?
- They complement the clinical evaluation of a patient.
- They are instrumental in all stages of treatment, as they can corroborate and complement an initial diagnosis and thus, plan an individualized treatment for each patient.
- It constitutes a complementary diagnostic element to all dental specialties, not only in the initial stage of diagnosis and treatment planning but also as an immediate control.
- It allows us to evaluate the quality of the treatment, such as control of endodontics, restorations, fixed rehabilitations, implants, cystic lesions, tumor lesions, dental trauma, maxillofacial trauma, etc.
According to the American Dental Association (ADA): “Finding and treating dental problems at an early stage saves time, money and unnecessary discomfort, in this case, dental x-rays are perfect for detecting problems in the mouth that would otherwise go undetected.”
6. DOES IT HURT TO GET X-RAYS?
The evolution in technology has also led to safer dental X-ray machines and decreased radiation effects.
The radiation that patients experience when taking modern X-rays is extremely low, so it is no longer a problem.
Digital radiography makes it possible to reduce radiation, exposure time and improve image quality.
7. Contact Us
If you have any questions about this topic or any other, please feel free to contact or visit us at Channel Islands Family Dental.
At Channel Islands Family Dental, we will be attentive to your visit to make a timely diagnosis. In addition, our dentists in Oxnard, Santa Paula, Ventura, Newbury Park or Port Hueneme will be able to guide you to the best treatment to bring back your best smile.
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