It’s no secret that these x-rays can be a pain, and almost seem to drag out your visit. The thing is, even if they prove to be a small annoyance, they are necessary for so many reasons!
When you come in for your hygiene appointments, your dentist wants to make sure you’re getting the best possible care. This means they’re going to do a complete examination to ensure you’re in optimal oral health – this complete examination includes x rays.
X-rays allow your dentist to see beyond just your teeth, gums, and the inside of your mouth. These radiographs allow your dentist to actually see between and inside your teeth, along with internal structures such as your roots and bone. None of these things are visible to the naked eye.
The main reasons you need x-rays are to check for infection, diseases, and other irregularities that may have an impact on your health. X-rays will check for:
Cavities
Cysts
Wisdom teeth/impacted or not impacted
Masses
These radiographs are a cautionary practice, and nothing more. Your dentist just wants to ensure you have the highest standard of care possible, so even if it’s a little uncomfortable, just try to bear with them.