When you go to the dentist’s office for a routine examination and cleaning, it’s likely that X-rays will be part of the procedure. But why exactly do dentists take X-rays? The reason is that they enable dentists to spot potential health problems that might not be obvious to the naked eye. Once X-rays of your mouth have been taken, your dentist will use them to look for signs of the following problems:
Cavities
Your dentist will first look for possible signs of tooth decay. While many cavities are in obvious, highly visible places, others may be lurking between teeth or in areas where they are not easily noticed. An X-ray can also help a dentist identify underlying issues that may exacerbate decay, such as broken tooth roots or bone loss in the jaw area.
Filling Damage
If you have any fillings, an X-ray is necessary to ensure that they have remained stable. Decay can develop underneath a filling, where it may be impossible to clean, and cracks and fractures can result from a filling expanding and contracting due to changes in temperature.
Signs of Misalignment
The continued health and integrity of your smile can be severely threatened if your teeth become crooked or misaligned. An X-ray gives your dentist a detailed picture of your entire mouth, which makes it easy to identify which teeth are beginning to drift and which cannot break through the gums properly.
Indications of Disease
An X-ray allows a dentist to look for cysts, abscesses, and tumors in the mouth. It also enables a dentist to look for possible symptoms of disorders such as periodontitis, lymphoma, and Paget’s disease.
When you need a Southfield dentist you can depend upon for all of your oral health needs, come to Southfield Family Dental Center. Dr. Oleg, Dr. Levi, and our other dentists are friendly, experienced, and highly professional. Visit us online to learn more about our dental services, or call (248) 327-0313 today to schedule an appointment with one of our dentists.
