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Dental X-rays use electromagnetic energy to take pictures of the internal tissues and structures of teeth and gums. They give a complete view of the mouth and allow us to spot hidden dental issues before they become more serious.
At Volterra Dental Comprehensive and Aesthetic Dentistry, Richard Blackburn, DMD, MA, and his team use X-rays to ensure the long-term health of your smile. Let’s learn more about the importance of regular dental X-rays.
Why are dental X-rays important?
Dental X-rays let us see inside and between your teeth and the roots, nerves, and jaw bones. They can detect a wide range of oral health problems, including:
- Cavities and decay between teeth
- Bone loss
- Decay beneath a filling
- Infected or abscessed teeth
- Unerupted or impacted teeth
The earlier Dr. Blackburn can catch and address these issues, the less likely they will progress and cause serious complications such as periodontal disease or tooth loss. Children need regular dental exams and X-rays to monitor the development of their permanent, adult teeth.
X-rays can also give us a clearer picture of your jaw placement and facial bone composition, which are important when we prepare for treatments like dentures, Invisalign®, or dental implants. After your procedure, we may use X-rays to check in on how well the tissues are healing.
Types of dental X-rays
Depending on the areas we need to examine, we may use one or more types of dental X-rays. Here are the most common:
Bitewing x-ray
Bitewing X-rays take a picture of the upper and lower teeth on one side of your mouth. This type of x-ray can detect decay lurking in between your teeth or just below the gums. If you have tooth pain, bitewing X-rays are often used to locate the source.
Periapical x-ray
When we want to examine one or two teeth at a time, from root to tip, we use a periapical x-ray. This type of x-ray is generally used to detect decay, bone loss, and any other abnormalities in specific teeth and the surrounding bone.
Panoramic x-ray
Panoramic X-rays are taken from outside your mouth by a machine rotating around your head. One image shows the entire mouth — your upper and lower teeth, jaw bone, sinuses, and nerves. We may use a panoramic X-ray to map out future dental implants, check on your wisdom teeth, or investigate jaw pain.
How often do I need dental X-rays?
Each patient’s oral care needs vary. During your initial consultation, Dr. Blackburn will discuss how often you should have dental X-rays taken based on several factors, including your:
- Age
- Current oral health
- Risk factors, signs, or symptoms of oral disease
If you have healthy teeth and gums, you may only need preventative X-rays once every six to eighteen months. People with gum disease or other dental problems will need more frequent X-rays to ensure it doesn’t progress.
Dr. Blackburn and the team offer patients a welcoming, comfortable, and relaxing experience in Los Alamitos, California, and throughout Orange County. To learn more about dental X-rays, call or click online to book an appointment today.