Dental x-rays are an important part of monitoring your oral health. They allow dentists to see beneath the surface of the gums and teeth to identify issues that may not be visible during a routine dental exam. There are two main types of dental x-rays: extraoral and intraoral. Extraoral x-rays are taken outside of the mouth, while intraoral x-rays are taken inside the mouth. Each type has its own benefits and can be used to detect different problems. In this blog post, we will discuss the different types of dental x-rays and what they can find.
Types of Dental X-Rays
Extraoral X-Rays
Extraoral x-rays are used to view the entire mouth, including the jaw and skull. They can be used to identify problems such as bone loss, impacted wisdom teeth, and temporomandibular joint disorder. Extraoral x-rays are also helpful in diagnosing malocclusion or bite problems.
Intraoral X-Rays
Intraoral x-rays are used to view the teeth and gums in detail. They can be used to detect tooth decay, bone loss, and damaged teeth. Intraoral x-rays are also helpful in diagnosing problems with dental restorations.
Things Dental X-Rays Can Find
Dental x-rays can find a variety of problems, including:
Tooth Decay
One of the first things dental x-rays can find is tooth decay. Although some cases of tooth decay can be diagnosed during a dental examination, dental x-rays are still needed to determine the extent of the decay. In other cases, dental x-rays can identify areas of decay that are not visible, such as between teeth or below the gums. Finally, dental x-rays can also be used to determine if decay has reached the innermost layer of the tooth and caused a pulp infection.
Bone Loss
Dental x-rays can also be used to detect bone loss. Bone loss is a common problem in older adults and can be caused by a variety of factors, including periodontal disease and tooth loss. Dental x-rays can help dentists identify areas of bone loss so that they can develop a treatment plan.
Impacted Wisdom Teeth
Dental x-rays can also be used to identify impacted wisdom teeth. Impacted wisdom teeth are teeth that have not erupted into the mouth and are stuck in the jawbone. Impacted wisdom teeth can cause a variety of problems, including pain, infection, or cysts. Dental x-rays can help dentists determine if an impacted wisdom tooth is causing problems and whether or not it needs to be removed.
Damaged Teeth
Dental x-rays can also be used to identify damaged teeth. Damaged teeth can be caused by a number of things, including trauma, decay, and old age. Dental x-rays can help dentists determine the extent of the damage and what type of restoration would work or if a tooth needs to be removed.
Faulty Dental Restorations
Dental x-rays can also be used to identify faulty dental restorations. Faulty dental restorations usually occur as the dental restoration nears the end of its lifecycle. As dental restorations wear down, they are more likely to become damaged or leaky. Dental x-rays can help dentists determine if a restoration is faulty and needs to be replaced.
Dental x-rays play an important role in identifying potential problems before they become serious. If you have any concerns about your oral health, please contact our office today. We would be happy to discuss your oral health with you! Thanks for reading!
