When you visit a dentist, one of the steps he or she will complete is taking X-rays of your teeth. The most common type of X-ray taken while getting routine dental services is a bitewing X-ray, and this type of X-ray is extremely helpful to dentists. Dental X-rays show dentists a lot of things they cannot see just by looking inside a person's mouth, and X-rays are important as they help dentists locate problems.
What bitewing X-rays show
Bitewing X-rays are the most common X-rays used in dentistry because they show a lot of different things. When your dentist takes these, he or she will be able to see inside your teeth to see what they look like. The dentist will also be able to see all the areas in between every single tooth in your mouth. Additionally, bitewing X-rays show the important parts of the roots of your teeth, and they also show the jawbone that is hiding under your gums. These X-rays basically show the dentist everything he or she needs to see to make sure your teeth, gums, and bone are all healthy.
Why dentists take X-rays
Dentists use bitewing X-rays as an additional step when examining teeth. They will help the dentist find cavities they cannot see normally, and it will help the dentist locate bigger problems that might be hiding in your bone, roots, or gums. Without these X-rays, a dentist would have a very limited view of your oral situation. With the X-rays, your dentist can spot even the smallest types of problems a person might have, and fixing small problems is much easier than fixing big ones.
Other types of X-rays your dentist might take
There are several other types of X-rays dentists also take during visits, but these are less common. For example, some dentists take periapical X-rays of teeth. These show just one or two teeth on both the upper and lower jaw, and dentists often use these when they are interested in seeing just one particular tooth. A periapical X-ray will often help reveal if a tooth needs a root canal. One other type of X-ray dentists use is called a panoramic X-ray, which is one huge picture of your entire mouth.
If you have issues with your teeth, or if you have not been to a dentist recently, you should call one today to schedule an appointment at a time convenient for you.
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