Categories: General Dentist

A General Dentist Explains Why X-rays Are Recommended

There are several reasons why general dentists take X-rays of a patient's mouths. According to the American Dental Association, dental X-rays are a useful diagnostic tool for helping a dentist detect damage and disease not visible during a regular dental exam. In addition, dental X-rays are an important part of planning treatment and monitoring treatment to make sure it is effective. 

The importance of general dentists

There are several factors to consider when choosing a dentist in Bellevue or the surrounding area. First, even though many different types of dentists can provide dental services, general dentists act as primary care dental providers for their patients. Think of a general dentist as a primary care doctor for your mouth. Your general dentist will be the professional who keeps your X-rays and dental history, gives you basic oral health advice, and referrals to specialists.

Reasons that a patient would need an X-ray

The list below includes specific reasons a dental patient needs dental X-rays.

Dental X-rays show tooth decay

X-rays allow general dentists to find cavities in a patient's teeth that are not visible when performing an oral examination. Many times, dental patients have cavities in between their teeth, which need treatment as soon as possible so as not to further damage the teeth. If a dentist does not treat these hidden cavities promptly, they will only continue to get worse. When tooth decay and cavities in teeth are allowed to worsen, it can result in a patient's eventual tooth loss.

Dental X-rays show impacted teeth

X-rays allow general dentists to see whether a patient has any impacted teeth. When a tooth is impacted, it means that it is stuck in the gum tissue or the bone. One reason is that there is not enough room in the mouth for the tooth to erupt properly. Patients who have been diagnosed with one or more impacted teeth will need to have these extracted from their mouths. Otherwise, these impacted teeth can lead to serious complications.

Dental X-rays show bone density problems

X-rays are ideal when it comes to knowing whether a dental patient is experiencing any problems with their bone density. Gum disease is most often the cause behind bone density issues. However, bone density problems can also result from other dental-related conditions. It is necessary to address bone insufficiencies in dental patients as soon as possible because gum disease can lead to patients experiencing so much bone loss that their teeth start falling out. Catching bone density problems in their early stages minimizes the risk of bone damage.

Bottom line

Getting dental X-rays from a general dentist who is your primary oral healthcare provider is essential for maintaining your oral health. These X-rays help your dentist find small problems before they become big ones. General dentists are primary dental care providers and will carefully evaluate you in order to create a treatment plan that supports good oral health.

Request an appointment here:https://www.adendentalbellevue.com or call Aden Dental at (425) 620-2327 for an appointment in our Bellevue office.

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