X-rays are a form of energy that can travel through or be
absorbed by solid objects. X-rays are absorbed by dense objects,
such as teeth and bones, and show up on X-rays as light-colored
areas. X-rays pass through less dense objects, such as gums and
cheeks, and appear as dark areas on the X-ray film.
X-rays provide your dentist with a valuable diagnostic tool that
helps him or her assess the overall condition of your teeth and
their roots, jaw placement, and overall composition of your facial
bones. X-rays help your dentist visualize diseases of the teeth and
surrounding tissue that cannot be seen with a simple oral
examination. X-rays help your dentist find and treat dental
problems early in their development, which can potentially save you
money, unnecessary discomfort, and maybe even save your life.
Exactly what types of problems can X-rays help
detect?
X-rays help your dentist diagnose problems in
your teeth and jaws.
In adults, X-ray films can be used to:
- Show areas of decay that might not be visible with an oral
examination, especially small areas of decay between teeth
- Identify decay occurring beneath an existing filling
- Reveal bone loss that accompanies gum disease
- Reveal changes in the bone or in the root canal resulting from
infection
- Assist in the preparation of tooth implants, braces, dentures,
or other dental procedures
- Reveal abscesses (an infection at the root of a tooth or
between the gum and a tooth)
- Reveal other developmental abnormalities, such as cysts and
some types of tumors
In children, X-ray films are used to:
- Watch for decay
- Determine if there is enough space in the mouth to fit all
incoming teeth
- Determine if primary teeth are being lost quickly enough to
allow permanent teeth to erupt properly
- Check for the development of wisdom teeth and identify if the
teeth are impacted (unable to emerge through the gums)
How often should teeth be X-rayed?
The frequency of
getting X-rays often depends on your medical and dental history,
and current condition. Some people might need X-rays as often as
every six months. Others with no recent dental or gum disease and
who visit their dentist regularly might get X-rays only every
couple of years. If you are a new patient, your dentist might take
X-rays as part of the initial examination and to establish a
baseline record from which to compare changes that might occur over
time.