Dental X-rays are a vital part of your oral health and hygiene. Not only do dental X-rays help uncover hidden problems, but they also allow dentists to plan and perform treatments to relieve these problems.
Here’s why X-rays are great tools for keeping your smile happy and healthy.
Reveal hidden problems
Dental X-rays unveil what’s hidden beneath the surface of your teeth and gums. While a visual examination can detect surface-level issues, X-rays provide a comprehensive view of your oral structures, enabling dentists to identify and treat problem areas.
- Cavities: X-rays can detect cavities that may not be visible during a routine examination, allowing for early intervention and prevention of further decay.
- Bone loss: X-rays reveal changes in bone density and structure, which can indicate periodontal disease or other underlying conditions affecting the jawbone.
- Impacted teeth: X-rays help dentists identify impacted teeth, such as wisdom teeth, and determine the best course of action for treatment.
Planning treatment
Regular dental X-rays help dentists catch problems early before they cause more permanent damage to your smile. This way dentists can plan various dental treatments to treat problems, accordingly.
- Orthodontic treatment: X-rays provide orthodontists with valuable insights into tooth and jaw alignment, guiding the development of personalized treatment plans for braces or aligners.
- Implant placement: Dentists can use X-ray images to determine the optimal placement of dental implants by assessing bone density and identifying vital structures such as nerves and sinuses.
- Oral surgery: Oral surgeons can more easily plan and perform procedures such as tooth extractions, root canals, and jaw surgeries with precision and accuracy.
Dental X-rays are an important part of your oral hygiene. If it’s been a while since you’ve visited the dentist, give Jackson Dental a call at (573) 243-5200 or visit us at 3100 E on Jackson Blvd to set up an appointment.