X-rays are a very important diagnostic tool in dentistry. When you make your first visit to the dentist, he may take an x-ray of your teeth and jaws to get a clear picture of your oral health. The dentist can use the x-rays to track how your teeth and jaws change over the years, which will help in determining your treatment needs. X-rays can detect the presence of wisdom teeth that need to be removed, and can help your dentist detect damage to your teeth, including infected tooth pulp. X-rays are also useful for locating cavities and in detecting gum disease.
There are two types of x-rays. With intraoral x-rays your dentist can get a clear picture from the inside of your mouth and are very useful for detecting a wide variety of dental problems. Extraoral x-rays are taken from the outside, and are used to track the development of your teeth and jaw, find impacted wisdom teeth and look at the bones of your face. Extraoral x-rays are not usually used to find cavities or to take a closer look at a tooth.
X-rays do require low levels of radiation, but it is not considered to be dangerous. However, many dental offices may give you a lead apron to protect your body, and a lead collar to protect your thyroid. If you are pregnant, or think you might be, you should talk to the dentist before your appointment so that any necessary precautions can be taken.
Dr. Ali Nia and the staff at Mesa Dental Care look forward to helping you get and keep the smile of a lifetime. If you live in the Mesa, Arizona, area and would like to schedule an appointment at Mesa Dental Care, call 480-730-0500 today!