Owensboro dentist | |

Patients often wonder why radiographs are needed to perform an examination. X-ray films can help your dentist determine the presence of decay, periodontal disease, abscesses, and many abnormal growths such as cysts and tumors, as well as missing teeth, extra teeth and impacted wisdom teeth. 

Remember that two thirds of your teeth are submerged below the gumline into the jaw bone, and that dental disease occurs in all areas of the tooth; only by seeing the whole tooth and surrounding structures, can a dentist perform a complete and comprehensive examination. 

A visual exam can be done without x-rays, but keep in mind that you are receiving a partial examination and that much may be missed.

First and foremost a dentist will look for cavities which are discovered with the use of 'bitewing' x-rays, the small films which you bite on. These can also give your  dentist a preliminary view of your  periodontal status (gum disease).

Individual films of certain teeth (periapical x-rays) may be taken to give the dentist a full view of a particular tooth, when other problems are anticipated or if a removal is required. 

A 'panaramic' radiograph is prescribed when a need to see every tooth in there entirety as well as all the surrounding structures such as  bone, sinuses, nerve canals, impactions, as well as any pathology(disease). This film is taken from a larger machine which rotates around your head as it produces the picture. 

The advantage of this film is that the dentist can have an entire view of your jaws with one simple film, thereby reducing the need for multiple radiographs, as well as reducing the radiation. It is also convenient for patients who gag easily, since no film is placed in the patient's mouth. 

However, dental decay does not appear as clearly on a panoramic film, therefore bitewing films are usually required. A panoramic film or Full Mouth X-rays (4 bitewings and 14 periapicals) is strongly recommended on initial examinations of all patients These should be repeated every 5-7 years.

Although the dental profession strongly recommends examinations every six months, radiograph frequency should be tailored to your individual need. If you visit your dentist regularly and have not had decay in years, you likely don't require radiographs every visit. Only your regular dentist can assess this requirement.