When you visit the dentist office for a routine checkup, you’ll likely have X-rays taken of your teeth and jaw. Because they show areas of tooth and bone which aren’t covered by a simple visual exam, X-rays give your dentist more information about the state of your oral health. This information helps them provide better dental care.

Dental Care Guide to X-Rays

1. General Dentistry

Dental X-rays show your dentist what’s happening between your teeth, along their roots, and under any fillings. This can help them identify decay in these areas, which isn’t visible to the naked eye. The more quickly this decay is found and treated, the less damage it will do in the long run. For instance, if a cavity is treated early, it will only need a simple filling; but if left too long, the disease may reach the soft tissues at the center of the tooth and require a root canal.

2. Gum Disease

Gum disease is a very common ailment, with the mildest form, gingivitis, affecting almost half of adults in the U.S. As gum disease progresses, it begins to attack the bone surrounding your tooth’s roots. X-rays are your dentist’s number one tool for identifying bone resorption in your jaw before it results in tooth loss.

3. Pediatric Dentistry 

Children’s teeth and jaws are still developing until their mid to late teens—and their wisdom teeth will not come in until their twenties. Because their mouths are still changing, their dentist needs to monitor this process to provide the best dental care. Dental X-rays allow your child’s dentist to take note of any impacted teeth—that is, teeth which are not growing in correctly—so that they can provide treatment to encourage healthy development.

If you’re overdue for a dental checkup and X-ray, make an appointment with Lowitz & Meier in Cincinnati, OH. They are pleased to offer digital dental X-rays, which use significantly less radiation than traditional X-rays. From basic exams and cleanings to advanced dental prosthetics, they provide compassionate dental care that is tailored to the needs of your entire family. To schedule an appointment, call (513) 521-8900 or send them a message online.