X-rays are critical diagnostic tools that are used in various fields of medicine. Although people know the importance of imaging tests in different medical practices, some people are not aware of why they need them for their dental complications. However, most providers with X-ray expertise, such as Hilliard X-Rays experts at Innovative Dental Ideas, will help you understand why they have to perform the diagnostic imaging tests. The following are the top 5 reasons why your dentist needs to perform a dental x-ray to improve your smile.
1. To Identify the Decay Within and Between Your Teeth
It is a fact that x-rays can provide more details than what your dentist can observe with their eyes. The x-ray can reach the extremes where your provider cannot bear eyes. Therefore, they will use an x-ray to scan your teeth and evaluate the tooth decay extent between and within your teeth. This is because your teeth can appear healthy outside, but the decay can be hiding within. This helps to diagnose the condition even in its initial stage before it advances to the outside, making treatment more effective.
2. To Monitor Your Bone Loss
When you experience periodontal disease, your jaw bone is affected, and bacteria can eat it away. No matter how experienced and skilled your provider is, they cannot accurately detect the changes below your gum just by looking. An x-ray makes it easy as it can provide accurate and detailed information about the changes below your gums, including the bone loss. This makes it smooth to estimate the intensity of bone loss.
3. To Check for Decay Under Fillings
If you had a cavity condition managed through filling, it doesn't mean you are safe. Tooth decay can still sneak under the fillings, which can take you back to the unpleasant experience you had before the treatment procedure. And because your provider doesn't have to remove the fillings to evaluate under, x-rays are the best way to assess your teeth' condition under those fillings. If your provider suspects decay, they will recommend an x-ray to confirm their suspensions.
4. To Examine an Infection
You can experience some symptoms such as some types of pain in some cases, but there is nothing observable on your teeth' surface or in your mouth. But for sure, there must be a problem somewhere. Therefore, an x-ray is recommended as it can capture any minute infection, even to the tip of your tooth's root. Besides, it can also capture definitive symptoms which eyes cannot observe.
5. To Examine Your Mouth Before Procedures
Before every procedure is performed, some observations and preparations have to be made. X-rays are used to examine several factors to affirm the decision to proceed with a particular procedure. Besides, some techniques can effectively manage a specific complication but may not be suitable for you due to your mouth condition. Again, your provider needs to know what they are getting into before proceeding with any dental treatment.
That tops why your dentist needs to perform a dental x-ray, but the list is not final or limited. Your provider can recommend an x-ray for other purposes.
