DENTAL RADIOGRAPHS

Dental health professionals often need to take radiographs (xrays of your teeth) to help with diagnosing conditions affecting your teeth. Most dental offices use digital radiography which greatly reduces radiation to the client. A lead lined apron still needs to be worn and usually has a thyroid collar during this simple procedure. Below are some conditions that dental professionals find after radiographs have been evaluated.

Existing root canals, fillings both composite (white) and amalgams (silver) show on radiographs as well as implants. Impacted teeth, teeth that are buried under the bone such as wisdom teeth. Bone loss around the teeth will also appear. Dental decay (cavities) that are in between your teeth and underneath existing fillings are often caught in the earlier stages when radiographs are taken routinely. Abscesses (infections that show at the base of the root(s) of teeth.) This would mean the need for a root canal where the infected nerve is extracted while leaving the tooth and roots intact. Larger anomalies can also be seen such as cysts in the jaw bone. Also if a client has piercings that cannot be removed prior to radiographs these too will show up.

Radiographs are essential and very useful for diagnosing a variety of dental conditions. From tooth decay to bone loss and infections these are always more favourable for successful treatment when caught in the earlier stages. In conclusion having regular radiographs helps in preventing worsening dental conditions. If caught in the early stages the dental condition is much easier to treat and often is less invasive. Prevention is key.