It’s not extremely pleasant. You have to put on the heavy apron, hold a stiff piece of film in your mouth and sit really, really still while your dentist’s assistant takes x-rays. Is it really necessary? Absolutely! No question about it.
Your dentist can’t see everything that is going on with your teeth, bone, and surrounding tissue without x-rays.
What Hidden Problems Do Dental X-rays Detect?
- Cavities underneath existing bridgework, dental crowns, or other restorations
- Abscesses, cysts, and infections
- Cavities between teeth just beneath where adjacent teeth touch (interproximal cavities)
- The position of wisdom teeth
How Often Should X-rays Be Taken?
This depends on the patient. A patient with no history of tooth decay, no current tooth decay, no braces, and no existing crowns, porcelain veneers, or bridgework is at low risk for cavities. A high-risk patient is in the opposite situation and may have one or more of the following: earlier dental caries, existing restorations, braces, eroded enamel, chipped or cracked teeth. In addition, patients with an eating disorder or other medical condition may be considered high risk. People who haven’t had their wisdom teeth extracted also need to be monitored with x-rays more frequently.
If you are a patient of Mt. Vernon Center For Dentistry, Drs. Geren & Mady will guide you on the frequency of x-rays when your treatment plan is discussed. If you are not a current cosmetic dentistry patient and are searching for an experienced, friendly dentist in the Alexandria area, we invite you to contact us at 703-360-5881 to schedule a consultation. We look forward to meeting you.
Contact Mt. Vernon Center For Dentistry:
703-360-5881
Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):
8101 Hinson Farm Rd Ste 114
Alexandria, Virginia
22306
