A visit to the dentist office and x-rays tend to go hand-in-hand. As children, many people remember being annoyed at the discomfort that can come from the x-rays. As a result most of us now find ourselves more frustrated with the cost of the x-rays than the procedure itself. The truth is that up-to-date x-rays are essential for any oral health professional to make accurate diagnosis.
What Do X-Rays Do?
X-rays allow dentists to see inside teeth and surrounding tissue. This insight can find important health conditions like cavities, root infections, bone health, gum health and more. Essentially, x-rays give dentists insights into issues that may not be visible to the basic human eye. This extra level of detail will help a dentist identify potential issues for their patients before they become too serious.
How Often Do I Need X-Rays?
Most dentists ask their patients to get new x-rays each year. However, if there is an outstanding health issue a dentist may request x-rays more frequently to ensure they are working with the most current, and accurate, information
Are There Different Types Of X-Rays?
This is a bit of a trick question. While all x-rays use the same type of technology to obtain their images, there are different types of images that health professionals collect during x-rays. For dentistry, these x-ray types are divided into two basic categories: intraoral and extraoral.
Intraoral x-rays are of the inside of the mouth and are what are used most often in dentistry. Intraoral x-rays provide insights into teeth and gum health. Extraoral x-rays are of the outside of the mouth, and are more common for jaw and facial injuries.
The bottom line is that while x-rays may be annoying, they are an important part of maintaining good oral health. To learn more, visit www.morristownoralsurgery.com.
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