Dental x rays help us see what a visual exam cannot. At Diamond Dental Arts, we use modern dental imaging to evaluate teeth, roots, bone, and areas between teeth that are not visible during a regular exam. This helps us find concerns early and plan care with accuracy.
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A dental x ray is an image of your teeth and surrounding structures captured with a very small amount of radiation. The goal is to create a clear picture on the computer so we can evaluate areas we cannot see with the naked eye. Dental imaging helps reveal changes inside a tooth, around the roots, and in the supporting bone.
Many patients ask about safety. The radiation levels used for modern dental imaging are very low. In everyday life, you are exposed to natural background radiation from the environment. Dental x rays are designed to stay within safe ranges while giving your dentist the information needed to protect your health.
There is only so much a dentist can see during a visual exam. Even with magnification, we can only evaluate what is visible in the mouth. X rays allow us to check what is underneath, including the roots of teeth, the bone level, and the spaces between teeth.
This matters because some of the most common dental problems start where you cannot see them, such as cavities between teeth, early infections near the root, or bone changes related to gum disease. X rays help us confirm what we are seeing and plan treatment with confidence.
Different x rays are used for different purposes. Choosing the right image helps us answer specific questions about your oral health. Below are common types of dental imaging and what they help us evaluate.
Bitewing images are taken while you gently bite on a small holder. These images are designed to show the areas between teeth where cavities often begin. They also help evaluate the height of bone that supports the teeth.
Periapical images focus on one tooth at a time and include the full root. They help us evaluate the health of the root and surrounding bone, detect abscesses, and identify infections that may involve the nerve of the tooth.
A full mouth series is a set of images that includes multiple periapical and bitewing views. It gives a comprehensive picture of the roots, bone, and areas between teeth, supporting a detailed exam and a more complete diagnosis.
A panoramic image is captured using a machine that rotates around the head. This view helps evaluate larger structures, including the jaw joints, sinuses, and broader facial areas. It can help identify lesions, abnormalities, and other concerns that may not appear on smaller images.
Cone Beam CT imaging provides a three dimensional view of your anatomy. It can assist with implant planning, evaluating root fractures, and assessing airway related concerns that may affect breathing. This type of imaging is used when a more detailed view is necessary.
X rays are a powerful tool, but they are not used alone. Periodontal disease is diagnosed by combining imaging with a clinical exam. To confirm periodontal disease, we evaluate bone levels on x rays, then compare those findings with gum measurements and signs such as bleeding.
Bone loss seen on an image may sometimes reflect past disease that is currently stable. That is why the clinical exam matters. When we combine x rays with gum measurements, we can determine whether disease is active, whether it is stable, and what type of care is needed.
If you are a new patient, we recommend scheduling an initial exam so we can establish a complete baseline. After that, annual checkups are commonly recommended to keep everything well maintained. If you have pain, swelling, a broken tooth, or gum concerns, an exam should be scheduled sooner.
Our goal is for you to feel safe and confident with dental imaging. If you have questions about x rays, what you need, or how often you should update images, our team is here to explain everything clearly.
Questions or ready to schedule, call 941 637 0101
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