Radiographs, more commonly known as x-rays, allow our dentists to see the big picture and get an in-depth look below the teeth and gums so they can give you informed evaluations. Dental X-rays are normally painless and you get the results quickly.
Dental issues such as cavities, wisdom teeth, or cancerous and benign growths are not always visible to the naked eye. This is why dental X-rays are vital. They provide an up-close look at the entire mouth including the teeth and jaw.
Dental X-rays are necessary to identify dental issues that might not be found under other circumstances. According to the Canadian Dental Association (CDA), a dental radiograph helps identify the following conditions:
- Areas between the teeth or fillings where decay is present
- Bone infections
- Tumors
- Development issues
- Abscesses or cysts
- Gum disease
The CDA maintains that the amount of radiation from dental X-rays is small compared to other sources of radiation to which we are exposed on a daily basis.
At Stevenson Dental Care, our dental professionals rely on dental pictures to make informed decisions on your course of treatment. The frequency of X-rays depends on the age of the patient. Younger patients may require X-rays more often because teeth and jaws are developing.
We recommend new patients undergo dental X-rays so that our dentists can properly examine the mouth for any existing dental issues or potential problems.