Your daily oral hygiene routine consists of brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing after every meal, and swishing mouth rinse. Although daily oral hygiene has a part in preventing oral issues, x-rays and dental exams help your dentist identify if there are underlying issues such as cavities, gum disease, or oral cancer. X-rays and dental exams are recommended twice a year, every six months.

What do Digital X-rays Reveal?

Digital x-rays enable your dentist to see under the gums and to the roots of your teeth, which is typically unseen by the naked eye. X-rays can reveal bone loss, tooth decay, root issues, cysts, abscesses, and cancerous tumors.

Your dentist will check your teeth, gums, tongue, neck, and throat for any signs of infection. If you have any fillings, bridges, or braces, your dentist will exam those for any chips or damages. Your bite alignment will also be checked.

Are Dental X-rays Safe?

Digital x-rays emit low levels of radiation, but the information that it reveals significantly benefits your oral health. Digital x-rays are newer and much safer technology than traditional x-ray methods.

During your appointment, the hygienist will also safely remove plaque or tartar buildup on your teeth with a scaling tool. Then, your hygienist will floss, clean, and polish your teeth to leave you with a nice shiny smile.

Implants tend to be more expensive than bridges because implants are stronger, longer-lasting, and don’t rely on surrounding teeth for support. Feel free to contact us for any questions about dental implants.