More than likely, you have had a dental checkup multiple times in your lifetime. So, you know a hygienist cleans the teeth and a dentist performs an oral examination. You also understand that either a hygienist or a technician takes X-rays during the visit. However, have you ever wondered just how important the X-rays are? Read on to find out more about X-rays and how important it is to keep up with your scheduled dental checkups.
When visiting a dental clinic, staff members all have unique roles and responsibilities. The front desk person schedules appointments and bills insurance companies. A hygienist cleans a patient’s teeth and usually takes X-rays. A dentist assesses a person’s teeth and gums to check for any problems that need addressing. Every aspect of a dental checkup is vital to a person’s oral health, including the X-rays.
The type of equipment used today to take X-rays is different from even a few years ago. Using a full scan of a patient’s mouth from side-to-side, a dentist gets a close-up view of current or potential issues. Many dentists also use a handheld X-ray device during a dental checkup. That way, they can focus on something in more detail or use the imaging to assist them while performing a procedure.
Thanks to advances in X-ray technology, dentists can identify problems much earlier than before. Since dentists cannot detect some forms of oral disease with the naked eye, they must rely on X-ray equipment. Without it, a dentist could overlook something potentially serious. Depending on the type of machine used, some can detect the slightest trace of a rare problem at its earliest stage.
A dentist uses the X-rays taken during a dental checkup to identify things like a cavity, infection, and gum disease. However, the images can also show various types of tumors, both benign and malignant. Regardless of what shows up, making an early diagnosis and providing early treatment are the keys to success. Simply put, X-rays are an essential part of good oral care.
While some patients worry about exposure to radiation, they need to understand that the level emitted with the X-rays taken during a dental checkup is minuscule. Not only that, but dentists must adhere to set industry safety standards. So, when having X-rays done at a dental clinic, there is no risk. Instead, this works as a powerful tool to help dentists serve their patients.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Dental Checkup in Middlesex, NJ
If you have not had a dental checkup in the last six months, make an appointment with a dentist near you today. The combination of an exam and X-rays will determine if you need any kind of treatment. Staying on top of these dental appointments is crucial. The same goes for the oral hygiene routine you follow at home.
Request an appointment or call Dr. Mauro & Associates PC at 732-504-6687 for an appointment in our Middlesex office.
Every six months, you should have a dental checkup. During each visit, a hygienist cleans the patient’s teeth. Then, a dentist looks for any potential or existing problems. The main goal is to correct an issue before it worsens. That way, you enjoy healthy teeth and gums from one appointment to the next. Keep reading…
Getting a dental checkup is often one of the most critical ways of keeping your smile in great condition. One thing the appointment involves is looking for cavities. Finding them early allows you to get the right treatment. That way, these are less likely to become worse issues. Keep reading to learn more about the…
The next time you go in for a dental checkup, talk to your dentist specifically about brushing. As a child, your parents probably taught you to brush your teeth after every meal. However, they might not have shared much information as to why. After talking to your dentist, you will gain some invaluable insight. By…