How Many X-rays will be taken at your Next Scottsbluff Dental Visit?

The foundation for any good dental treatment is a thorough examination and an accurate diagnosis. Sometimes, we can draw a reasonable conclusion about your dental condition based upon a clinical evaluation combined with the signs and symptoms that you report. However, in order to confirm our suspicions, we often rely upon modern diagnostic tools to reduce the risk of a mistake or an oversight. One of our most common diagnostic tools is the digital x-ray, and you will see it utilized during your Scottsbluff dental visits for various reasons:

Panoramic X-ray: An image that is created when a large x-ray machine rotates around the head, capturing a broad-range view of the entire jaw and all of the teeth. It is generally recommended every 3-5 years, but may be necessary more often for the evaluation of the wisdom teeth, to monitor the eruption of a child’s teeth, or for orthodontic purposes. These x-rays can also help in the identification of cysts, tumors, and other abnormalities of the jaw.

Full Mouth Series: A set of 18 x-rays that show each tooth and the surrounding bone in great detail, and includes cavity-detecting bitewing x-rays. These x-rays can be used in place of a panoramic image and is generally recommended every 3-5 years.

Bitewing X-rays: A set of 2, 4, or 7 images that highlight just the top portion of the teeth and the height of the bone around each tooth. This series may be taken once or twice each year, as it provides the best view of small cavities between the teeth and the early signs of periodontal disease.

Periapical X-ray: An individual image of a single tooth, from the root to the crown, recommended on an as-needed basis. These x-rays are taken when a patient reports a toothache, when there is a suspected infection, or to check the progress of a root canal procedure. Several of these x-rays may be required in a single day or they may be recommended throughout the year.

For more information about the x-rays that are right for you, contact your dentist in Scottsbluff NE today.