Why do Dentists Take X-Rays?

When you visit your dentist in Little Rock AR, chances are you may need to have X-rays taken. You already know that your dentist uses X-rays for treatment, but why exactly are they so necessary?

Detection of Hidden Problems

One of the big reasons dentists take X-rays is to detect problems that aren’t visible during a routine visual examination, such as:

• Tooth decay – X-rays help dentists identify decay in its early stages, preventing it from progressing and causing more severe problems.
• Gum disease – By providing a detailed view of the bone structure supporting the teeth, X-rays can expose the presence of gum disease, enabling timely intervention and treatment.
• Infections – X-rays can reveal abscesses or infections hidden beneath the gum line, allowing for prompt and accurate diagnosis.
• Impacted teeth – Sometimes, teeth don’t emerge as they should, becoming stuck or impacted. Dentists use X-rays to identify impacted teeth and develop a treatment plan.

Ensuring a Good Fit for Dental Work

X-rays provide dentists with the necessary information to plan and execute treatments such as crowns, bridges, implants, or braces with accuracy. For example, X-rays help determine the correct size and placement of dental implants or reveal the need for orthodontic intervention to correct misaligned teeth.

Monitoring Changes Over Time

Dental X-rays are also considered essential for tracking the progress of existing dental conditions and treatments. By comparing current X-rays with older ones, dentists can evaluate the effectiveness of treatment plans, detect any new issues, and make necessary adjustments to ensure optimal oral health.

Dental X-rays are a crucial tool for dentists, allowing them to identify hidden issues, plan and execute dental treatments, and monitor progress over time. Contact your dentist in Little Rock, AR to learn more or to book your next appointment.