During a dental check-up, your dentist might require you to have an X-ray done. But do you know what this is all about? Before you have one done, it is essential that you know all about dental X-ray, what the procedure is like, and why do you need one. If this is the information you need right now, you have come to the right place.
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All About Dental X-Rays
The X-rays at Melbourne radiology clinics are done with low-level radiation to capture the interior of your teeth and gums. This way, the radiograph or X-ray images will be what your dentist needs to evaluate your oral health. With the results, your dentist would be able to identify any problems such as tooth decay, cavities, and even impacted teeth. Dental X-rays might sound complicated, but they are fundamental procedures.
Dental X-Rays, Why Do You Need Them?
Dental X-Rays are usually required to be performed yearly. However, they can also happen more often, depending on your needs, as identified by your dentist. A dental x-ray might also be required if your dentist wants to track your dental treatment progress. Your age, oral health status, any symptoms of oral disease, as well as any history of tooth decay or gum disease are just some of the factors that can affect the frequency of your dental X-rays.
And if you are a new patient, dental X-rays might be required so that your dentist will have a record of your dental health. Having one is essential for new patients, especially if you do not have one from your previous dentist. Here are the different types of dental x-rays that you should know of:
- This technique will require you to bite down on a special paper so that your dentist can see if your teeth’ crowns match.
- With this technique, all of your teeth will be captured in just one shot. It is done with your jaw closed so that the dentist can determine if your upper and lower teeth line up.
- With this X-ray, the X-ray machine will rotate around the patients’ heads to check on your wisdom teeth or to plan for implanted devices.
- This technique will focus more on two complete teeth from the roots to the crown.
Dental X-Rays on Children
Children will need dental x-rays more often than adults would be required. It is crucial for children because their dentist would be able to determine if their baby teeth already need to be pulled to avoid future complications, like the permanent teeth growing behind the baby teeth. That is why the dentist needs to monitor the growth of their permanent teeth.
Preparing for Dental X-Ray
Now that you already know what a dental x-ray is all about and why do children and adults need them, you can start learning how to prepare yourself for the procedure. With dental x-rays, there are no special preparations required. All you need is to make sure that you have brushed your teeth thoroughly before the appointment. This way, you will be making a hygienic environment for those working inside your mouth.
Your overall dental health should be carefully taken care of. Aside from dental x-rays, brushing and flossing need to be done to ensure that you have healthy teeth and gums. With the results from your X-ray, your dentist would be able to see your dental health status. If you have your teeth and gums checked regularly following your dental x-ray, there’s no more need to do another one except if your dentist requires you of it.
