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Patient
Education - X Rays
Why do I need to have x-rays?
X-rays are a vital part of diagnosing tooth decay and other
issues with your oral health. X-rays can tell us things that
we can not see. Tooth decay can develop under the gum line
or in between two teeth. This type of decay is not visible
to the naked eye it will only be visible on an x-ray.
We can see the development and position of erupting teeth
on a child or the position of wisdom teeth.
X-rays can lead us to the source of infection or pain in the
mouth. Often times a patient presents with pain but cannot
locate the source of the pain. Looking at the teeth there
may be large fillings on each molar. An x-ray to see under
the current fillings and see the root tip of a molar can help
a dentist determine which tooth is causing the pain and needs
to be treated.
How Often Should I Have X-Rays?
For your first visit at the Fletcher's Creek Dental, a series
of x-rays will probably be taken. Below is the type of x-ray
and how often the specific x-ray is taken.
Panaromic
A Panoramic x-ray will be taken. This x-ray gives us a full
view of all your teeth and facial bone structure, sinuses,
temporomandibular joints, cysts or bony tumors. The x-ray
is best for revealing the position of wisdom teeth. This x-ray
is taken approximately every 5 years. The dentist may request
that you have one more frequently if he/she needs a more recent
panorex to diagnose treatment.
This x-ray is taken extraoraly (outside of the mouth).
As seen in the panorex above of a 5 year old child. Her permanent
2nd premolars
on both lower left and right side are not present under her
primary teeth.
Bitewings
A series of bitewing x-rays will also be taken at your first
visit to the dental office and every 6-12mnths following your
initial visit at your recall visit. For adults 4 bitewings
are taken and for children 2 bitewings are taken. These x-rays
are taken to show the dentist in between the teeth, decay
in the crown of the tooth or under a current filling. A bitewing
x-ray can also show bone level around a tooth. These x-rays
are taken intraoraly (inside the mouth). Bitewings are taken
at your first appointment and are taken every 6mnths during
your recall examination and cleaning.
Periapical
These x-rays are taken if there is a specific concern. It
shows the entire tooth all the way down to the root tip. It
can be used to see infection on the root tip of a tooth which
cannot be seen clearly on any other type of x-ray. A periapical
x-ray can also give us a good view of bone loss around a tooth.
These x-rays are taken intraoraly (inside the mouth).
How Safe Are X-Rays?
X-rays have come a long way over the years. At the Fletcher's
Creek Dental Office, we use the most current in technology.
We are equipped with digital x-rays. These x-rays require
much less radiation than traditional x-rays do. You are protected
with a lead apron which radiation cannot penetrate through,
every time an x-ray is taken.
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