Visiting the dentist gives you access to a variety of treatments, from teeth cleanings to in-office whitening. Your oral care provider may also use digital X-rays to identify and diagnose potential problems so you can start treatment right away. Below are some of the ways dentists use this technology to help their patients.

5 Benefits of Getting a Digital X-Ray From Your Dentist  

1. Spot Tooth Decay 

Your dentist can’t see every part of your teeth just from looking into your open mouth. By using a digital X-ray, they can examine the tiny crevices between your teeth, allowing them to check for signs of decay in those hard-to-reach places. They can also more easily view infections in the nerves or bones so that they can decide whether a root canal is necessary. 

2. Confirm Disease 

Digital X-rays help dentists verify the presence of gum disease by observing decay within the gums. Additionally, the X-rays can highlight other types of damage already caused by the disease, such as bone loss in the jaw. If a dentist suspects oral cancer, X-rays are crucial to making an official diagnosis. 

3. Examine Wisdom Teeth 

Although wisdom teeth are natural, they can cause a number of problems, including bite misalignment, congestion and pressure in the sinuses, and severe pain throughout your jaw and gums. With digital X-rays, your dentist can monitor the progress of your wisdom teeth and decide whether they will need to be removed.  

4. Prepare for Surgery 

If you need tooth implants, a root canal, wisdom tooth removal, or any other type of surgery, digital X-rays are used to determine the state of your jaw bone, tissues, and blood flow. This information helps plan the surgery so that it’s as safe as possible for you.  

5. Decide on Orthodontic Treatments 

There are a few ways to correct crooked teeth. The most common method is braces, but some dentists may recommend retainers or Invisalign, depending on the severity and nature of the misalignment. With a digital X-ray, your dentist can figure out what type of orthodontic treatment would work best for you, if applicable, as well as the timeline for the different phases of whatever treatment they choose. 

For quality dental care, including thorough digital X-rays, visit C.R. Sfeir, DDS, General Dentistry in Lorain, OH. Since 1995, this dentist has offered the highest quality family dentistry services, using state-of-the-art equipment and the most up-to-date techniques. Due to his commitment to your comfort and oral health, he’s also available for dental emergencies. Make an appointment today by calling (440) 960-5200 or messaging his office online.