What are Dental X-Rays and Are They Needed? Phoenix Dentist Explained

Dental X‑rays, also called radiographs, are images that show the inside of your teeth, jawbone and surrounding structures. They help your dentist see areas that are not visible during a regular exam, such as between teeth, under fillings or inside the bone that supports your teeth.

Dental X‑rays can reveal early cavities, bone loss from gum disease, infections, impacted teeth, cysts, and other changes long before you feel pain or notice a problem. They are also important for planning treatments such as implants, root canals, orthodontics and extractions, and for checking how well previous treatments are healing.

You may not need X‑rays at every visit. Your dentist will review your medical and dental history, examine your mouth, and then decide how often X‑rays are appropriate based on your age, risk of tooth decay or gum disease, and any symptoms you have. For many healthy adult patients, this might mean bitewing X‑rays every one to two years, while patients at higher risk may need them more frequently.

When used thoughtfully, dental X‑rays are a safe and essential tool for monitoring your oral health and catching problems early, when treatment is usually simpler and more conservative. If you have questions about radiation or how often you need X‑rays, your dentist can explain the benefits and tailor an imaging schedule to your specific situation.

If it has been a while since your last dental checkup or X‑rays, schedule an appointment with Smile 24 Dentistry to get a clear picture of your oral health and discuss which type of imaging, if any, is right for you.

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