General Dentistry: Are Dental X-rays Recommended?

General Dentistry: Are Dental X-rays Recommended? from Pampered Smiles in Atlanta, GAGeneral dentistry allows people to seek dental treatments from someone who knows them well. It is important to give an accurate diagnosis. This is possible with the use of dental X-rays. If you want to know if dental X-rays are advisable in general dentistry, here are the details.

The definition and the need for it

Decades ago, a dental X-ray was a long and laborious process. Advances in general dentistry have brought the digital process of taking dental X-rays. Even so, the patient still will be a little uncomfortable during the X-ray. Despite the awkwardness, dental X-rays provide dentists complete information about the patient’s mouth. These X-rays show the details in the patient’s jaw placement, teeth, and roots. This helps the general dentist catch and treat any problem early.

Solid objects like bones and teeth absorb X-ray energy. These show as light-colored images. The energy passes through thinner objects. These are the cheeks and gums. They tend to appear as dark images. Any problem a general dentistry oral exam cannot detect can show in a dental X-ray.

Looking deeper than what the surface shows

High-energy radiation makes dental X-ray images possible. Low-density tissue in vital organs and skin cannot take in this type of radiation. The energy merely passes through these tissues. The harder materials in the body absorb this type of radiation. These are the teeth and bones. Digital or film sensors can measure the rate and degree of absorption.

The difference between diagnostic and therapeutic dental X-rays

There are different types of dental X-rays. The dental X-ray a patient gets at the clinic depends on the purpose of the appointment. A patient can get either a diagnostic or therapeutic dental X-ray. The dentist will determine which one will help the patient more.

A general dentistry checkup may involve a diagnostic X-ray. The dentist will need it to establish a custom-fit treatment plan for the patient. A root canal procedure will need a periapical diagnostic X-ray. With this, the dentist aims to take a complete image of the patient’s tooth. This involves taking photos from the crown to the root. The images will help the dentist create a comprehensive treatment plan.

Some general dentistry visits need therapeutic X-rays. This is the kind a patient gets during a teeth cleaning or oral examination. This type of dental X-ray gives the dentist a complete view of the patient’s gums and teeth. There could be some areas in need of further checking.

The frequency

A patient does not need a dental X-ray during every appointment. It is standard to get dental X-rays once every two or three years. More frequent dental X-rays are for patients who suffer from oral issues. It depends on what the general dentistry care provider decides.

A general dentistry practice knows when you need a dental X-ray

Dental X-rays may sound intimidating and time-consuming to some people. But with the latest technology, this procedure is now faster and more convenient. A dental X-ray happens in the general dentistry clinic. An appointment with your dentist will determine if and what kind of dental X-ray you must get.

Request an appointment or call Pampered Smiles at 404-891-9489 for an appointment in our Atlanta office.

Recent Posts

General Dentistry To Repair A Cracked Tooth

General dentistry treatments are available to restore the function and appearance of your teeth, depending on the severity of the tooth damage. The dentist will examine the cracked tooth and design a suitable treatment plan.The following are common treatments in general dentistry for repairing a damaged or fractured tooth:Dental bonding is often done to fix…

Improve Your Oral Health With These General Dentistry Procedures

When patients visit the general dentistry office, the goal is to keep their oral health excellent. The appointment may be nothing more than a professional dental cleaning and getting instructions on proper oral health so long as there are no oral issues. If dental problems are to be addressed, the dentist will recommend the appropriate…

General Dentistry: How Often Should You See A Dentist?

Curious about what is considered general dentistry? Read on to learn more. A general dentist can help with the prevention and treatment of oral health concerns such as dental cavities and gum disease. General dentists recommend cleaning and check-up visits once every four to six months to maintain ideal oral hygiene.For most patients, a check-up…

Recent Posts

Recommended Frequency Of Routine Dental Care Appointments

Recommended Frequency Of Routine Dental Care Appointments

For healthy teeth and gums, routine dental care is necessary. For most healthy people, two times a year is the recommended frequency for dentist appointments. This is typically adequate for deeper cleaning and preventive care. However, for some patients, more frequent appointments are necessary to manage certain issues and to prevent problems from becoming more…

How To Fit Routine Dental Care Into Your Schedule

How To Fit Routine Dental Care Into Your Schedule

Many people may believe that they do not have time for routine dental care, which consists of daily brushing and flossing as well as periodic cleaning by a dentist. Admittedly, these tasks do take some time but should be a priority even in a busy schedule. People who do not take time for brushing, flossing,…