5 Signs to get a dental x-ray

Dentists use dental x-rays to evaluate and detect any oral issue. Dental X-rays use low-level radiations to detect problems like tooth decay, cavities, etc., at an early stage. Dental x-rays are of 2 main types: intraoral and extraoral x-rays. 

Intraoral X-rays are films that sit inside the mouth and help check the cavities, status of the jaw, and teeth. Extraoral X-rays are X-rays in which the film is placed outside the mouth, which assists in finding the growth of the jaw bone. These are the most common tools for finding the proper treatment without discomfort. Below are the five common dental issues that prompt you to get a dental X-ray.

1. Age-related dental issues

Oral health conditions and diseases related to aging collectively result in the need for preventive, periodontal, and restorative dental care. This is especially true for adults aged 65 years and above who suffer from sensory and cognitive impairments due to age. Oral health conditions with aging are xerostomia (dry mouth), periodontitis, root, and coronal caries. 

Dryness of the mouth, xerostomia, affects up to 40% of patients over 80 due to the harmful effects of medications. Patients with xerostomia are sensitive to drugs used in local analgesics and anesthetics. 

Aged patients are also susceptible to root caries, which occurs due to increased gingival recession and medications. By adopting smart dental care routines with reminders of brushing and flossing, your elderly loved ones can maintain a healthy mouth. Dental X-rays come in handy during frequent dental visits and when you lose natural teeth and have implants or wear dentures.

2. Gum Disease and tooth decay

Dental X-rays can detect early signs of tooth decay and gum disease. Gum diseases happen due to the growth of bacteria in the mouth, leading to tooth decay and loss. Periodontitis destroys the tissues surrounding the teeth, causing tooth loss. It is usually preceded by Gingivitis (gum inflammation). 

Food particles from sugar, candy, milk, or any carbohydrate stick to the teeth and cause plaque. The bacteria in plaque thrive on the foods that produce acid. These acids ruin the tooth enamel, which causes gum inflammation, resulting in bleeding of the gums. Dentists can diagnose Gingivitis and tooth decay with dental x-rays. With early detection of tooth decay and gum disease, you will see the return of healthy pink gums.

3. Root Canal

Only a dentist can determine whether you need a root canal based on your symptoms and X-rays. When a dentist examines your teeth X-ray, they look for a checklist of essential clues that show whether you need a root canal or not. Radiolucency, a dark spot at the tip of the tooth's root, is an informative sign. A broken tooth, which requires a crown and a post, must also undergo a root canal. 

A panoramic X-ray captures the image of the entire mouth in a single shot, helping the dentist plan the extent of the root canal treatment required. A dental X-ray will also detect a cyst that forms due to chronic infection at the root tip. This cyst causes persisting pain while eating something hot, cold, or sweet, swelling, pressure, and throbbing pain.

4. Dental implant procedures

It is common these days to use dental implants to fill the empty spaces in your mouth to protect your jawbone. Some might want to replace missing teeth or replace extracted teeth due to tooth decay, gum disease, or injury. A dental implant is a surgical procedure performed by an oral surgeon or a dentist with training in implants. A dental x-ray is necessary for this procedure. The dentist first goes through your dental x-ray, examines the area that needs an implant, and makes the clinical evaluation for the same. 

Dental imaging plays a vital role in deciding on dental implant procedures. It provides reliable and accurate information about the patient's mouth anatomy to determine the right implant size. For sophisticated imaging, techniques like computed tomography(CT), conventional X-rays, and cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) help measure bone dimensions and evaluate bone quality. 

Dentists also use Panoramic X-rays to plan the implants, dentures, extractions, and braces. With the help of dental X-rays, there is a high chance of the success of dental implants. Based on the types, number, and location of implants, the dentist chooses the right kind of dental x-ray technique. Dental X-rays can also detect the development of wisdom teeth and recognize the method and timing of extraction.

5. Abscess

When a bacterial infection surrounds a tooth, pus forms, which is known as an abscessed tooth. If not treated in time, this can cause severe pain that can transfer to the neck or ear. There are four main types of abscesses: Periapical, Periodontal, and Gingival. When the bacterial infection is at the tooth's root tip, it's called Periapical abscess. 

When bacteria attack the gum next to the root of a tooth, it's called a Periodontal abscess. Gingival abscess is an infection of the gums. A simple tap can detect a tooth affected by an abscess, as teeth are sensitive to touch and pressure. 

Normally, your dentist will recommend a dental X-ray or a CT scan. The dentist uses the X-ray to ascertain if there is any spread of infection to other tooth roots. A CT scan is useful when the infection spreads to the neck or ear. It can detect the extent of the contamination.

Conclusion:

Getting frequent dental X-rays is essential for good oral health. Brushing, flossing, cleaning your tongue, and functional lifestyle changes will help you accomplish good oral health. Book an appointment with your dentist every one to three months. If you are suffering from any dental issues, write down all the symptoms you face. 

You can also mention the medications and supplements you are taking and any questions you want. Your dentist studies the symptoms you face, and depending upon your health and age, the dentist would recommend the right solution. Dental problems that go undetected under the naked eye are identifiable by dental X-rays.