It’s not extremely comfortable. 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 needed? Absolutely! No question about it.
Our team at the Chattanooga Center for Comprehensive Dentistry 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 below existing bridgework, crowns, or other restorations
- Abscesses, cysts, and infections
- Cavities between teeth just underneath where adjacent teeth touch (interproximal cavities)
- The position of wisdom teeth
How Often Should X-rays Be Taken?
This depends on the dental patient. A patient with no history of decay, no existing 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: a history of cavities, existing restorations, braces, thin enamel, and 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 extracted also need to be overseen with X-rays more frequently.
Get a better look at your teeth with an examination at the Chattanooga Center for Comprehensive Dentistry.
Contact Chattanooga Center for Comprehensive Dentistry:
423-756-1540
Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):
830 Cherokee Blvd, Chattanooga, TN
Chattanooga, Tennessee
37405
