The Importance of Routine Dental X-Rays
Regular X-rays provide a comprehensive view of your oral health and establish a continual record of your teeth and gums.
Dr. AnnMarie Olson and Dr. Kacie Culotta of Restora Dental Arts in Austin, TX, utilize state-of-the-art digital X-rays for patients of all ages. Read on as they explain why digital X-rays are invaluable to delivering superior dental care.
The importance of X-rays
During your examination, your dentist meticulously evaluates each tooth and carefully examines your gums and soft tissues. While this visual examination is essential, it does have limitations in detecting underlying issues.
Dental X-rays fill that gap. They provide an undercover view to help identify problems below the gum line, between teeth, in your jaw bone and the interior of your teeth, including the root. This is key because infection, tumors, cysts, and other problems can develop in these areas. Identifying such issues early significantly improves the chances of successful treatment.
X-rays also enable your dentist to detect early signs of cavities, spot tiny fissures that may not be visible during a regular exam, and diagnose gum disease in its initial stages. Plus, X-rays aid in evaluating impacted teeth and planning treatments such as root canals or dental implant placement.
How often do I need dental X-rays?
Like the American Dental Association, Drs. Olson and Culotta recommend that healthy adults with no significant dental concerns get X-rays every 2-3 years. However, patients with recurring decay or other oral complications should have X-rays taken once or twice a year.
Routine X-rays are essential for patients of all ages, including those with dentures or dental implants.
The Advantages of Digital X-rays:
Restora Dental Arts uses the latest digital technology to capture X-ray images. Digital X-rays are quick, painless, and the equipment used is less bulky, alleviating concerns of gagging.
Compared to old-school X-rays, digital technology captures superior data. Each X-ray provides a 3D view of your teeth, gums, and bones, enabling your dentist to create a real-time treatment plan tailored to your specific needs. We can identify minor issues that might go unnoticed with specialized filters and multiple viewing options.
Digital X-rays also involve significantly less radiation energy. While dental X-rays are safe overall, reduced radiation exposure is undoubtedly beneficial. This factor adds to our patients’ comfort and reassurance when it comes to having X-rays taken regularly.
If you’re due for your bi-annual dental checkup and oral healthcare needs, contact Restora Dental Arts by phone or use our online feature to make an appointment at our office.
