If you’re due for a dental appointment at Country Day Dental, you may be wondering if you’ll need to have x-rays taken during your next consultation. Or, you may be wondering if x-rays are really necessary at all. Get answers to all your questions about X-rays below, and see why they’re so important.
Are X-Rays Really Necessary?
Absolutely. X-rays are essential for seeing dental issues that may not be visible with just an oral exam alone. For example, a tooth that looks completely healthy may actually have decay that’s underneath the gum line, and this may not be recognizable.
X-rays also help dentists do things like identify past dental work in new patients, since things like fillings and crowns are visible and distinct from natural enamel in an x-ray.
Typically, you will need to get an x-ray during your first preventive dentistry appointment at Country Day Dental. Then, Dr. Schmidgall will recommend the proper interval for future x-rays.
What Are X-Rays And What Are They For?
X-ray is short for “x-radiation.” This is a type high-powered radiation with a short wavelength. This energy easily passes through soft tissue like our skin and organs, but is more readily absorbed by hard, dense tissues like the teeth and bones.
By using special film or digital sensors, the absorption of x-rays can be measured and turned into an image or “radiograph,” similar to a photograph.
Basically, an x-ray lets a dentist “look past” your gums, cheeks, lips, and other soft tissue, and get a better view of the jaw bones and teeth. This assists in diagnosing a wide variety of different oral health issues, including tooth decay, infected teeth, orthodontic issues, and much more.
How Should I Prepare For X-Rays?
You don’t have to do anything special for x-rays. The process takes only a few minutes at Country Day Dental, thanks to our advanced digital x-ray machines. You’ll just need to come in for your teeth cleaning and oral exam, and one of our team members will walk you through the process of having your x-rays taken.
What Happens During The X-Ray Procedure?
You’ll sit down in the dentist’s chair, and you’ll put on a heavy lead apron. The dense lead prevents x-rays from penetrating into the rest of your body, increasing your safety and minimizing exposure to radiation.
Then, one of our dental team members will position a digital sensor in your mouth and ask you to bite down. They will aim the x-ray machine at the sensor, leave the room, and turn it on. This process may be repeated a few times, depending on the type of x-rays being taken. Once this is done, you’ll be able to take the apron off, and you’ll be done. It’s just that simple.
X-Rays Are An Essential Diagnostic Tool At Country Day Dental!
With x-rays, Dr. Schmidgall can look for hidden dental issues that may otherwise go unnoticed, and make sure your mouth is healthy and strong. So don’t wait. If you’re overdue for a consultation in Fort Worth, come to our office today for a check-up, oral exam, and x-rays to make sure your teeth are in great shape. Contact us online or give us a call at (817) 731-9487 to get started.
