Dental radiographs, or X-rays, are essential components to obtaining and maintaining good oral health. Unfortunately, not all critical dental elements can be seen during a standard dental check-up. Luckily, dental x-rays provide a deep look into the internal structures of the teeth and jaws and helps to protect your teeth and gums.
Why Do I Need Regular Dental X-rays?
A Fluoride Bomb
The most popular place for tooth decay are the pits and fissures on top of the tooth. Acid-producing bacteria sits inside these microscopic crevices and forms tooth decay. Often due to the high concentrations of fluoride, a superficial mineralised surface may form and mistakenly appear intact, however, tooth decay may continue underneath. SOLUTION: Dental x-rays provide insight into the deep pits and fissures of teeth and help protect your teeth.
Holes In-between Teeth
The 2nd most popular place for tooth decay is on the sides of the teeth, tight in-between others where it is hard to clean. By the time these holes become large enough to see during a dental check-up, this tooth decay cannot be reversed, and a restoration will be needed. HOWEVER, if regular dental x-rays are used and catches in-between holes early, treatments are available that may reverse early decay and eliminate the need for any restorations.
Identify Diseases and Developmental Problems
In addition to dental x-rays providing a valuable tool to identify dental decay, dental radiographs may also be used to identify the correct number, size and position of teeth. Dental x-rays are also helpful to identify: trouble under restorations, periodontal (gum) disease and some types of tumours.
Types of Dental X-Rays
There are three common types of radiographs used to maintain your oral health.
- Bitewing: Simply bite on a small x-ray holder and these x-rays to show the chewing surfaces of the teeth of both the top and bottom teeth – in one small image. One image provides a detailed view of one side of your mouth and best used to identify signs of decay between teeth.
- Periapical: See an entire tooth (from tip to root) or dental implant. This small dental X-ray focuses on a specific area to evaluate implants, check for decay, gum disease or any other bone issues.
- Orthopantomograms (OPGs): Have a complete panoramic view of all your teeth in one image. Stand still while up-to-date specialised equipment rotates around your head and captures your entire mouth. This x-ray is invaluable for orthodontic planning and an overall dental health assessment.
- Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT): The latest technology in dental imaging is a CBCT. This medical technology produces three dimensional (3D) images of your teeth, soft tissues, nerve pathways and bone in a single digital scan.
In addition, Hugh Fleming Dentistry uses the most sophisticated software for the additional benefits of monitoring tooth and jaw development, evaluate wisdom teeth alignment, plan orthodontic treatments, diagnose gum disease, identify TMJ disorders and to diagnose and manage Obstructive Sleep Apnoea.
Frequency and Safety
Your safety is paramount at Hugh Fleming Dentistry. All our x-rays use digital technology that requires the smallest amount of radiation. For example, four bitewing radiographs is roughly the same amount of radiation from taking a 1-2 hour flight on an airplane. In addition, at Hugh Fleming Dentistry, we half this further and recommended only two bitewings regularly, every 24 months for routine maintenance.
Book an Appointment
Obtain your optimal oral health through regular dental checkups and dental X-rays today. Don’t wait for dental issues to become more troublesome, costly and painful. Call Hugh Fleming Dentistry today on 02 9960 8977 or email reception@hughflemingdenistry.com.au