Dental X-Rays in Kitsilano, Vancouver

Dental radiographs or X-rays are important tools to diagnose and prevent dental diseases and evaluate your oral health. They are used during a routine dental examination or in the diagnosis of a dental concern.

X-rays help your dentist to safely and accurately locate dental abnormalities that cannot be seen with a simple mouth examination.

With a proper diagnosis through X-rays, your dentist can develop an accurate and effective treatment plan to solve your concern. Otherwise, problem areas may go undetected and left untreated.

Understanding Dental X-Rays

Dental X-rays use a specialized sensor and safe, low levels of radiation to capture images of the teeth, bones, and soft tissues of the mouth. With this, your dentist can view cavities, bone loss, decay, tooth cracks, oral cancers, and root positions, among many others. 

Some dentists rely on traditional X-rays which are taken on film. But modern dentistry, through digital X-rays, enables you to view your X-ray result immediately after taking it.  The image is readily sent to a computer for assessment.

Generally, digital X-rays have a lower level of radiation compared to traditional ones. But both methods maintain safe levels of radiation, making it safe for children and adults. Dentists follow the ALARA principle which stands for “As Low As Reasonably Achievable” when obtaining radiographs.

Types of X-Rays

There are several types of Dental X-rays, each serving a specific purpose. Depending on your concern, your dentist may recommend one of the following types of X-rays:

• Periapical – this is used to capture 1 – 3 teeth for a focused assessment
• Bitewing – most useful in detecting cavities between the back teeth
• Panoramic – or full mouth X-ray, shows the entire mouth in one image, which is most helpful in detecting jaw disorders

Benefits of Dental X-Rays

Dental X-rays are an essential part of dental diagnosis, prevention, and treatment. Some benefits of Dental X-rays that make them crucial in dental care are:

1. Detects several dental diseases, including:

• Cavities, that cannot otherwise be seen during a routine dental check-up
• Decay beneath existing fillings
• Bone loss
• Areas of infection
• Position of impacted teeth or extra teeth
• Abscesses
• Oral cancers, cysts, tumors

2. Enables proper implant placement for a successful treatment

3. Assists each step in the root canal treatment 

4. Reveals the number, size, and location of erupting teeth for children

5. Aids in monitoring the development of your child’s teeth and jawbone

Dental X-Rays — Conclusion

A dental X-ray is a helpful tool in dentistry that can provide you with a better understanding of your oral health. Early detection of dental concerns, infections, or injuries limits further damage to the mouth and lessens unnecessary dental expenses in the future.

Also, if you are new to a dental clinic, X-rays can help your dentist unravel all existing diseases to create a more effective treatment plan.

Discover more about your oral health and smile with the help of a dental X-ray. At Arbutus Station Dental, we utilize modern technology through digital X-rays. This delivers quality dental imaging for utmost precision and care in our dental treatments. Call us today to learn more!