It’s not extremely enjoyable. You have to put on the heavy apron, hold an awkward piece of film in your mouth and sit really, really still while your dentist’s assistant takes x-rays. Is it really required? Absolutely! No question about it.
Your dentist can’t see everything that is going on with your teeth, bone, and surrounding tissue without x-rays.
What Hidden Problems Do Dental X-rays Detect?
- Cavities beneath existing bridgework, crowns, or other restorations
- Abscesses, cysts, and infections
- Cavities between teeth just beneath where adjacent teeth touch (interproximal cavities)
- The position of wisdom teeth
How Often Should X-rays Be Taken?
This depends on the patient. A patient with no history of dental caries, no present tooth decay, no braces, and no existing crowns, veneers, or bridgework is at low risk for cavities. A high-risk patient is in the opposite situation and may have one or more of the following: earlier dental caries, existing restorations, braces, thin enamel, chipped or cracked teeth. In addition, patients with an eating disorder or other medical condition may be considered high risk. People who haven’t had their wisdom teeth removed also need to be monitored with x-rays more frequently.
If you are a patient of Advanced Dentistry of Charlotte – Dr. Christopher A. Bowman, Dr. Bowman will advise you on the frequency of x-rays when your treatment plan is discussed. If you are not a current patient and are looking for an experienced, friendly dentist in the Charlotte area, we invite you to contact us at 704-337-8070 to schedule a consultation. We look forward to meeting you.
Contact Advanced Dentistry of Charlotte – Dr. Christopher A. Bowman:
704-337-8070
Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):
1618 E Morehead St Ste 100
Charlotte, North Carolina
28207
