Dental X-rays serve as a valuable diagnostic tool for your dentist in Tucson. While a visual examination can tell a dentist a lot about the current condition of a patient's mouth, it cannot reveal everything. X-rays, however, can show budding dental issues and provide a dentist with the information necessary to intervene before the problem becomes more serious.
Dental X-rays fall into one of two categories: intraoral and extraoral. Intraoral X-rays utilize film that goes inside the mouth, while extraoral X-rays utilize film outside the mouth.
Intraoral X-rays are the most common type dental professionals use. There are three different types, each of which shows various aspects of the teeth and jaw.
Bite-wing X-rays are one of the most helpful diagnostic tools, hence the reason most patients are familiar with them. Bite-wings show all the details of a set of teeth in one area of the mouth, from the supporting bone to the exposed surface. These X-rays can reveal changes in the thickness of the supporting bone caused by gum disease, decay on and between the teeth and any breakdowns in existing caps or fillings. Bite-wings can also tell a dentist about what size crown a patient may need.
Occlusal X-rays do not provide as much detail as bite-wings, but they are useful in helping a dentist determine the arch of the upper or lower set of teeth. Many pediatric dentists use these X-rays to track the development of a child's teeth.
Dentists may use periapical X-rays to detect changes in the root and surrounding bone structures. These tools help a dentist visualize the entire tooth, from the root to the crown and everything in between.
A dentist in Tucson may use extraoral X-rays to detect issues within the jaw or bone structure, and not necessarily within the teeth themselves. There are several types on which a dentist may rely.
Dentists may use panoramic X-rays to diagnose tumors, spot impacted teeth and identify where new teeth will emerge. These X-rays give dentists a complete picture of the entire mouth in one image.
Dental computed tomography provides 3D imagery of the interior structures of the mouth. A dentist may use these X-rays to detect problems such as fractures, cysts or tumors.
Cone beam CT also provides 3D imagery of dental structures. However, it delves deeper than dental CT and gives glimpses of the nerves, soft tissue and bone that make up the jaw. A dental professional may use cone beam CT to guide implant placement, identify issues in the roots or gums or assess tumors and cysts.
With digital imaging, a dentist can take the picture and send it directly to a computer for assessment. Images can be enhanced and enlarged and electronically sent to other dental professionals for a second opinion.
Dental X-rays are powerful diagnostic tools. If you are concerned about safety or just want to learn more, discuss the various types of X-rays with a dentist in Tucson today.
Request an appointment here: https://www.simplysmilesdentist.com or call Simply Smiles Dentistry at (520) 368-3351 for an appointment in our Tucson office.
Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.
If you are missing teeth, cosmetic dental services, such as dental bridges, may be able to help. Dental bridges fill the space left by missing teeth, which can improve your confidence, enhance your smile, and prevent your remaining teeth from shifting.Many treatments overlap between cosmetic and restorative dentistry, and dental bridges are one of them.…
Cosmetic dental services can largely benefit patients with mildly crooked teeth. Crooked teeth can affect the aesthetics of your smile and can make it harder to keep your mouth clean. Fortunately, dentists have a few ways to improve the appearance of crooked teeth.Here are a few of the cosmetic dental services that our dentist can…
Cosmetic dental services can be used to repair worn-down teeth. Teeth can be eroded by acids in the mouth and the bite forces generated when chewing. They can also become damaged due to habits like chewing on ice or biting on fingernails.Worn-down teeth often lead to issues like toothaches because the more sensitive inner layer…
Cosmetic dental services can help treat issues like misshapen teeth. The condition can be caused by health issues like congenital syphilis, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, Creveld syndrome, and cerebral palsy. Genetic factors can also cause it. Cosmetic dental services can be used to improve the shape of your tooth, regardless of the reason that it is abnormally…