Why Does My Dentist Take X-Rays?

There are a few things that with time you’ve probably come to rely on. The sun rises every morning, the sky gets dark at night, and your dentist will likely want to X-ray your mouth at least once a year. But why? If you’ve ever wondered what those images of your teeth and bones are used for, here’s a closer look at what your dentist is trying to find when she checks your X-rays!

What Are X-Rays?

Dental X-rays (radiographs) are images taken of your teeth and bones that your dentist uses to get a detailed look at your oral health. Traditionally, X-rays used high-energy electromagnetic radiation that was is absorbed by the bones and teeth, and then using special film or digital sensors, the absorption was then measured and turned into an image, much like a photograph.

Today, however, your dentist uses digital X-rays, which can still capture images below the gums, but with 90 percent less radiation than traditional X-rays. This is better for you, and better for the environment, because they eliminate the need for both chemical processing and other dangerous waste products.

What is My Dentist Looking for in My X-rays?

Because your X-rays take a deeper look at your teeth and bones, your dentist relies on them to reveal problems that could be lurking beneath the surface of your teeth. These include:

• Decay beneath your fillings
• Cysts or tumors
• Bone loss from periodontal disease
• Decay or cavities between teeth
• Tooth positioning to create treatment plans for dental implants, dentures, or braces
• Dental abscesses

Because many of the above issues often cannot be seen by simply looking in your mouth, X-rays can help give your dentist a deeper understanding of what’s going on beneath the surface of your gums and in harder to reach spaces like between your teeth. Thus, to get a complete picture of your oral health, X-rays are the safest and most effective solution.

Remember, dental X-rays are an extremely accurate diagnostic tool that your dentist can use to get a closer look at your teeth and bones. Now, thanks to technological advances, digital X-rays are safer and more detailed than ever, making them an excellent choice for finding and preventing a variety of oral health problems.

About Dr. Condie

Dr. Shandy Condie was educated at the College of the Holy Cross before earning her M.S. in Public Health from the University of Massachusetts and her D.D.S. from the Creighton School of Dentistry. She has taken numerous advanced courses at the prestigious Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies (LVI) in areas such as cosmetic, restorative, and neuromuscular dentistry. She is a current member of the American Dental Association (ADA) and the Arizona Dental Association, and a Silver Level Invisalign provider who makes it her mission to take several continuing education hours each year.

If it’s time for your biannual exam and cleaning, please schedule an appointment with Desert Springs Dental Group today by visiting our website or calling us at 480-279-3100.