A General Dentist Explains Why X-rays Are Recommended

Wondering why a general dentist will take X-rays of their patients? According to the American Dental Association, dental X-rays are a useful diagnostic tool for helping a dentist detect damage and disease not visible during a regular dental exam.

The importance of general dentists

Considering choosing a general dentist in Columbia? Many dental patients look for a local dentist for convenience. Even though there are different types of dentists who can provide necessary dental services, general dentists are primary care dental providers. This means general dentists should be treated just like general medical providers, being the first professional one should see when in need of any type of dental service.

Reasons that a patient would need an X-ray

The list below includes specific reasons that a dental patient would need dental X-rays.

Dental X-rays show tooth decay

X-rays allow general dentists to find cavities in their patients' teeth that are not visible when performing an oral examination. Many times, dental patients have cavities in between their teeth, which need to be treated as soon as possible so as not to further damage any teeth. If these hidden cavities are not treated in a timely manner, they will only continue to get worse. When tooth decay and cavities in teeth are allowed to worsen, it can result in a patient's eventual tooth loss.

Dental X-rays show impacted teeth

X-rays allow general dentists to see whether a patient has any impacted teeth. When a tooth is impacted, it means that it is stuck in the gum tissue or the bone. One reason is that there is not enough room in the mouth for the tooth to properly grow in. Patients who have been diagnosed with one or more impacted teeth will need to have these extracted from their mouths. Otherwise, they can potentially experience serious complications.

Dental X-rays show bone density problems

X-rays are ideal when it comes to knowing whether a dental patient is experiencing any problems with their bone density. Such issues are most often caused by gum disease but can also be caused by other dental-related conditions. It is necessary to address bone insufficiencies in dental patients as soon as possible, because gum disease can lead to patients experiencing so much bone loss that their teeth start falling out. Catching bone density problems in its early stages minimizes the risk of bone damage.

Bottom line

Need to make an appointment with a general dentist? No matter the reason, your first point of contact should be a general dentist. General dentists are primary dental care providers and will carefully evaluate every patient in order to create a treatment plan that supports their good oral health.

Request an appointment here: https://columbiadentaloffice.com or call Columbia Advanced Dental Studio at (410) 635-5105 for an appointment in our Columbia office.

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