Can you believe that X-rays were an accidental discovery made by the physicist Wilhelm Conrad Röntgen at the turn of the 19th century?
Fast forward to today, and X-rays are a staple of dental practices. If you’ve ever had your X-rays taken, you might be wondering what the dentist was able to learn from them.
Are you on the fence about getting a fresh pair of X-rays? Keep reading to learn what your dentist can see when they look at your dental X-ray.
Developing Tooth Cavities
Sometimes cavities are hard to spot. If you start feeling pain due to a cavity, then you’ve caught it at a late stage. The sooner you can catch tooth decay and stop it, the better off your tooth will be.
The good news is that an X-ray can show a dentist some of the earliest signs of tooth decay. That way, they can come up with a game plan that will get your oral health back on track.
The Progression of Gum Disease
You may be surprised to learn that an X-ray can also reveal aspects of gum disease. During the later stages of periodontitis, for example, there may be a degree of bone loss.
This issue is not so easily detectable with the naked eye since the loss often hides beneath the gum line. Thanks to the wonders of X-ray technology, a dentist can see how far the issue has progressed and then do their best to put a stop to it.
Aside from bone loss under the gum line, an X-ray can show a dentist where you have any loss of bone density. A low bone density means that a tooth is quite weak. Without proper protection, the tooth can end up chipping, cracking, or worse.
By identifying major weak spots, a dentist can put in a crown or employ another relevant solution.
Tooth Infections and Cysts
Some tooth infections and dental cysts are quite painful and noticeable, while others can go unnoticed until it’s too late. An X-ray can catch a wide range of infections and cysts, even when there are only subtle symptoms.
Even cysts and abscesses that can’t be felt during a manual examination could show up on an X-ray. They tend to have a rounded shape and even give off a faint glow on the X-ray sheet.
Are You Ready to Get a Dental X-Ray?
Now that you’ve learned what your dentist can see, you should get a dental X-ray so that any issues with your teeth can be nipped in the bud. Regular check-ups are an essential aspect of good oral hygiene. Don’t forget to remind your family members to get X-rays too.
Michelle Wang DDS strives to offer the best dental care in the Redlands area. From family and cosmetic dentistry to teeth whitening and root canal therapy, you can always rely on our expertise and attention to detail.
We’d be happy to meet you, so please feel free to book an appointment.