Most of us have been to the dentist and received X-rays as part of the examination. Have you ever wondered what, exactly, those X-rays mean? What do they tell the dentist? What do they show? Dr. David K. Skeels offers comprehensive dental and oral health care to the residents of the Rochester, NY area; he's here to explain the meaning and importance of those X-ray pictures.

• What Is An Oral X-Ray?

An oral X-ray is a radiograph image of the inside of your mouth, mainly the teeth and gum areas. A low level of X-ray radiation is used to capture this interior perspective, which provides Dr. Skeels with the information he needs to treat you.

• What Does An X-Ray Show?

Your dental X-ray shows the internal condition of your teeth and gums. It brings into clear focus issues of tooth decay, cavities, and impacted teeth, to name a few. Dr. Skeels can also see the current state of your mouth and what teeth you are missing, what teeth have implants or dental crowns, and the extent of any tooth or gum damage you may have.

• How Is An X-Ray Used In Treatment?

An X-ray provides a better picture of the state of your mouth and what work remains to be done. With X-rays, Dr. Skeels can chart the progress of your teeth after treatment. He is especially interested in viewing and maintaining the density of your tooth enamel; strong enamel is vital to the health of any tooth, and once it is eroded, it does not come back.

Help your dentist get a thorough picture of what's going on inside your mouth and schedule your X-rays today. Call Dr. David K. Skeels at (585) 467-7000 to book your exam; you can also schedule an appointment by contacting the office through their website.