If you’ve ever been to a dental office (and it’s very likely that you have), you’ve almost certainly had an x-ray taken of your teeth. But while it’s one thing to participate in that, it’s quite another to fully comprehend the ins and outs of x-ray technology. Here’s some information that might enlarge your viewpoint a bit:
How does an x-ray work?
An x-ray is a kind of light energy that bypasses soft tissue and soaks up dense tissue. So a dental x-ray could pass through your cheeks and gums, but absorb your teeth. And no worries – our X-rays do this safely and securely.
How do x-rays help?
X-rays aid Dr. James Hillstrom and our excellent staff in locating cavities, checking out tooth roots, diagnosing periodontal disease, looking at the progress of tooth growth in children, preparing patients for dental implants or cosmetic dentistry treatments, and performing other useful jobs.
What types of x-rays do you perform?
We carry out certain x-rays depending on the needs of the patient. Here are some common examples:
Periapical: Provides a whole detailed view of a single tooth, from crown to root to supporting jawbone
Bitewing: Offers a side view of the upper and lower arches and their contact with each other
Panoramic: Shows an expansive view of the teeth, jaw, nasal area, sinuses and jaw joints.
Occlusal: Offers a view of the floor of the mouth to look at any teeth that are still below the gum line
Do you have any questions about our use of x-rays in the office? Or maybe it’s time to schedule a dental exam. If so, please call our North Texas Dental Associates dental office in Plano, Texas at 972.535.6647.