At Dental House Gladesville we are all about prevention and being proactive to ensure your mouth is healthy and pain free. Dental x-rays are a valuable tool we use to ensure that we are able to accurately identify and treat dental problems early, before they become a more serious issue. Even the most thorough visual examination is not able to detect what is happening inside and between your teeth, and also the roots and bone underneath your gums. X-rays allow us to see the full picture to ensure you receive the best dental treatment to keep your mouth disease free.
We use x-rays as both part of a routine examination to rule out any issues, as well as to diagnose any specific dental issues you are experiencing.
These important diagnostic tools are able to identify:
– cavities and the extent of decay
– the presence of cysts, infections and some types of cancer
– impacted wisdom teeth
– congenitally missing teeth
– the presence and extent of bone loss due to periodontal disease
– proximity of teeth to nerves and sinuses
– injuries such as tooth or bone fractures
– issues with existing fillings, crowns or implants
They also enable us to assess the amount of bone available for dental implants
Are x-rays safe?
Dental X-rays are safe for both adults and children. The amount of radiation involved is extremely low, equivalent to the sort of exposure you would receive on a 1 to 2 hour flight.
At Dental House Gladesville we use digital xrays, which further reduces your exposure to radiation.
Don’t worry about us leaving the room whilst the xray is taken – we take lots of xrays every day and this limits our ongoing exposure to radiation.
When and how often should I get x-rays?
While this may vary depending on the person, at the bare minimum you should get bitewing x-rays at least every two years as part of your six monthly checkup and clean. These films detect decay between teeth as well as giving an indication of periodontal health.
We recommend new patients have x-rays at their initial appointment to ensure their dental health is optimal and to determine a baseline. This would normally consist of two bitewing x-rays and a panoramic OPG. We can also arrange for the transfer of your records from a previous dentist if they have recently taken x-rays for you. As you continue your regular checkup visits, fewer x-rays are needed to monitor the status of your oral health.
We also take xrays to diagnose issues when you are experiencing specific dental pain or sensitivity.
Types of X-rays we take at Dental House Gladesville
An OPG is a panoramic x-ray which displays all the teeth of the upper and lower jaw on a single film. It shows all the teeth including those that have not yet erupted. An OPG may also reveal problems with the jawbone and the joint which connects the jawbone to the skull, called the Temporomandibular joint or TMJ. An OPG may be requested for orthodontic planning, for assessment of wisdom teeth, or for a general overview of the teeth and the bone which supports the teeth.
You will not feel any discomfort during the procedure. You will be asked to remove jewellery, glasses, and any metal objects as they may interfere with the images. You will then stand with your chin resting on a small ledge and you bite gently on a sterile mouth piece to keep your head steady. It is important to stay very still while the x-ray is taken.
Bite-wing X-rays
These films are taken on each side and allow us to see between your back teeth. This means we are able to detect the position and extent of decay between teeth or under old restorations. They can also give us an indication of the health of your bone and periodontal condition.