Why Should You Get X-Rays When Facing Oral Health Issues?

Oral health is crucial for our overall well-being, and when problems arise, it is necessary to seek immediate and accurate diagnoses. While a visual examination can provide valuable insights, it often fails to detect underlying issues lurking beneath the surface. It is where X-rays prove to be an invaluable tool concerning dentistry.

If you are facing oral health problems, you must understand why getting X-rays is important when facing oral health issues. X-rays, also known as dental radiographs, provide dental professionals with a comprehensive view of your mouth, teeth, and jaw, allowing them to identify problems that may not be visible to the naked eye. Once you have secured your x-ray, you should head to the Dexter dental clinic to identify potential dental or oral health problems. 

Understanding the role of an X-ray in identifying and treating oral health issues: 

• Low exposure levels 

Many people believe X-rays consist of some amount of radiation. However, the amount of radiation is minimal and is considered safe for people of all ages. Digital X-rays are developed on a film. Such films reduce the risk and harmful effects of radiation exposure. As a result, x-rays do not involve high amounts of radiation and provide a safe and reliable way to look out for underlying oral health issues which may not be visible to the naked eye. 

• Nondestructive 

X-ray technologies have grown to be completely non-destructive when trying to detect health issues in the form of a visual graph or report. Some testing methods would not guarantee non-destruction and may likely result in harmful effects on the human body. If you plan to get an x-ray before getting a dental exam, you will not feel any pain during the process. Lastly, one might be able to secure an x-ray without any pain and allow their dentist to examine oral health problems.

• Inspection of features 

X-rays are known to be accurate and precise. For example, consider your teeth an object with certain features such as a bite function and chewing quality. Such features tend to deteriorate over time in most people. However, if you choose to get an x-ray before the dental exam, you can inspect every feature of your teeth and find oral health problems quickly. 

• Cost-effective 

Several testing methods employed by healthcare professionals can be expensive, which would not allow some people to undergo those methods. In such cases, an X-ray can be a cost-effective way to become aware of teeth and bones’ condition. Such cost-effective X-rays will allow your dentist to detect tooth decay, gum disease, and other potential infections that might be developing in your mouth.