If you have healthy teeth and gums, you should probably have dental X-rays taken every 6-18 months. If you have an oral health condition, like gum disease, you may need them done more often.
One of the most important aspects of dental care, the quick, minimally invasive imaging test can bring a range of benefits. Interestingly, the need for X-rays are the one thing virtually all dental procedures have in common.
Dr. Nathan Klabunde and his team at Northwoods Dental Group in Columbus, Ohio, provide X-rays for children and adults to help ensure positive dental health.
Let’s delve into dental X-rays, including why they’re so important.
In short, dental X-rays allow your providers to get a better look at your teeth and gums. The images that result allow Dr. Klabunde to rule out or confirm a diagnosis or assess an ongoing oral health issue.
Dental X-rays shed light on things the naked eye can’t see, such as:
Given that these issues tend to worsen over time, an X-ray early on can help ensure proper treatment so you won’t have to deal with complications. Addressing an early stage of gum disease, for example, could help protect you from periodontitis and tooth loss.
Our team also uses X-rays to prepare for dental implants and Invisalign. The images help ensure proper placement of dental implants and an ideal straightening plan for your Invisalign devices.
X-rays also play an important role in emergency dental care, bringing the benefit of a clear look at any damage so you can get the care you need.
Digital X-rays use at least 70% less radiation than conventional X-rays, making them a far safer option. So if you’re concerned about any related cancer risks, you can generally rest easy. In fact, you get over 300% more radiation from background sources – things like the sun – each year than you get from a digital X-ray.
Digital X-ray images are also highly defined, so we can more easily pinpoint dental issues at the earliest stages.
Compared to X-rays of the past, digital scans save time. The images appear immediately, versus having to wait for processing. That means we can show you any issue we find visually at the same appointment, and recommend and get started with treatment swiftly.
And because digital X-rays are easily shareable, we can share images with other experts we may refer you to for specialized care.
To learn more about the importance of dental X-rays or get the care you need, call or text Northwoods Dental Group or request an appointment through our website.
