Dental X-Rays for Adults and Children in Erie, PA
Dental X-rays are vital to your oral health because they help your dentist get a full picture of the goings-on inside your mouth. X-rays give dentists visuals of your teeth and roots of your teeth, your gums, jawbones, and overall facial structure. Typically, dentists recommend getting an X-ray taken every couple of years. The experienced dental team at Sleep Dentistry Erie can help you avoid future problems by keeping up with regular dental X-rays.
Reasons for Dental X-Rays
Dental decay
Dental decay occurs when the enamel of your teeth is deteriorating. This can be caused by an overconsumption of sugary foods or drinks, which creates acids that can break down enamel. Dental X-rays will show deteriorated portions as darker shaded areas on your teeth
Cancer detection
Just like through other X-ray technology, dental X-rays can detect any sign of spreading oral cancer.
Root pathologies
A dental X-ray can give your dentist an understanding of whether or not you need any work done relating to the roots of your teeth, for example, a root canal.
Periodontal disease
Periodontal disease affects the gums and jawbones. After having a dental X-ray taken, your dentist can evaluate whether you have a healthy amount of jawbone surrounding each of your teeth.
Eruption of teeth
Dentists can detect erupting teeth early by using a dental X-ray to see growing teeth before they protrude from the gums.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should dental X-rays be taken?
Generally, you should have dental X-rays taken at least once a year. Depending on the state of your oral health, your dentist may recommend getting an X-ray done more frequently. Your annual dentist appointment can include a check-up, dental cleaning, and X-rays in the same visit.
Can I have a dental X-ray done while pregnant?
Dental X-rays are completely safe to have completed while pregnant. Most reproductive organs aren’t exposed or at-risk during dental X-rays. We will also recommend you wear protective lead-lined vests while having an X-ray completed.
What sort of issues can dental X-rays reveal?
There are two types of dental X-rays: intraoral and extraoral.
Intraoral X-rays are taken within the mouth and can reveal cavities between teeth, bone density problems, issues relating to the roots of your teeth, abscesses, and more.
Extraoral X-rays are taken outside of the mouth and can reveal cysts, tumors, impacted teeth, overcrowding issues, and more. These X-rays can also help your dentist prepare for orthodontic procedures, such as braces and implants.
Can dental X-rays cause harm?
Dental X-rays are safe overall. These X-rays have very low doses of radiation. Advances in technology, strict federal regulations, and safety equipment (such as lead-lined aprons) have made dental X-rays quite safe.
Does my insurance cover dental X-rays?
Usually, dental X-rays are covered by insurance, but sometimes insurance plans may have a limit for your deductible. We recommend contacting your insurance provider to be sure what’s covered and what isn’t. Sleep Dentistry has financial assistance available for all patients.