Dental technology continues to improve with time. The team at The Hills Dental Spa Cosmetic and Family Dentistry understand the importance of ensuring that this technology is used in diagnosing and treating patients. Many patients who visit their dental office for an evaluation will ask their doctor, why are x-rays important?
What is the purpose of dental x-rays?
Depending on your situation, and whether or not you are a new patient, you may not always get an x-ray completed when you visit the dentist every six months during your routine cleaning and check-up. There are several factors that may indicate the need for the dentist to take x-rays, and as patients age, x-rays are taken more frequently as well. Below are a few of the reasons why dental x-rays are taken:
- For a new patient to provide the dentist with information regarding their oral health
- For children to monitor the growth of permanent teeth
- To look for signs of decay, disease, or impaction of teeth within the smile
- To check for the cause of swelling in the mouth
- Determining the cause of tooth pain/toothaches in a patient
- To decide if a patient is a good candidate for dental implants, and to plan for placement
Dental x-rays allow the dentist to see beyond the gumline and soft tissues where problems can stem. They also give dentists the information they need to make a diagnosis of certain conditions, including periodontal disease and bone resorption. These images are incredibly important in addressing a wide range of dental concerns with our professionals.
When do I need dental x-rays?
Patients who visit their dentist regularly may only have dental x-rays taken every few years or when certain problems develop. Dental x-rays are safe and only emit a very small amount of radiation to complete.
Learn more about dental x-rays with Dr. Kevin Winters
Austin, TX area patients are welcome to contact The Hills Dental Spa Cosmetic and Family Dentistry to discuss the advantages of dental x-rays. Call (512) 347-0044 and request a visit at 6836 Bee Cave Road, Building 1, Ste. #300.
