Your smile is more than just the visible surface of your teeth. That’s why the American Dental Association recommends including dental x-rays as part of your routine oral exam schedule. Through this safe diagnostic medical imaging technique, dentists are able to get an in-depth look at the bones, tissues, and nerves that help support your teeth and gums. To better understand the value of this close inspection, here are a few of the most important reasons to visit your dental provider for an x-ray.

3 Reasons to Get a Dental X-Ray

1. Monitor Tooth Decay & Infections

While some cavities may be detectable through visual inspection, many may be hidden between teeth or too small to detect with the naked eye. Dental x-rays allow dentists to evaluate tooth integrity at a closer level, making it possible to detect decay in its early stages. If a cavity is present, dentists can use the X-ray to determine if treatment with a filling is necessary. If decay has led to a dental infection, medical imaging can also reveal if the interior of the tooth—known as dental pulp—is damaged and requires root canal therapy for preservation.  

2. Reveal Developmental Problems

Since X-rays can reveal bone and tissue beneath the gums, they can be excellent tools for watching how teeth are developing. For example, pediatric dentists will use medical imaging to determine how a child’s adult teeth are coming in—and if any orthodontic treatment will be necessary to ensure they develop proper positioning.  Anyone receiving orthodontic treatment—such as braces or Invisalign®—will also need X-rays to ensure teeth are straightening in the right way.

This view can also help detect how wisdom teeth are coming in among teens and young adults. If an X-ray reveals a wisdom tooth is or will become impacted, a dentist can surgically remove them to prevent serious dental health problems.

3. Evaluate Gum Health

Swelling, bleeding, redness can sometimes indicate a patient is suffering from gum disease. However, this infection of the gum tissue may also cause symptoms that aren’t visible without an x-ray. By using a dental x-ray, specialists can assess jaw bone quality and determine if bone loss has occurred—a common indicator of gum disease. X-rays may also be able to reveal other periodontal abnormalities, such as tumors or abscesses developing beneath the gums.

If it’s been more than six months since your last oral exam, turn to Gleason Dental Clinic for comfortable, safe, and convenient dental x-rays. Serving the Beatrice, NE community for more than four decades, this dental clinic is recognized for providing gentle care to catch problems early and restore smiles through simplified treatment. Visit the clinic online to learn more about this dentist’s preventive and restorative services. To schedule a teeth cleaning and dental exam, call (402) 228-3119.