Preventive care is the key to maintaining a healthy smile. Our dental team offers a variety of services to ensure that your teeth and gums are in optimal condition. One crucial component of our preventive care is X-rays in Nampa.
X-rays, also known as radiographs, are images that allow dentists to see what’s happening beneath the surface of your teeth and gums. These images can detect problems and diseases that may not be visible during a regular dental exam.
Why Do You Need X-rays?
X-rays play a vital role in detecting oral health issues in their early stages. They provide our dentists with valuable information about your teeth, jawbone, and underlying structures that one cannot see with the naked eye. Without X-rays, we could not diagnose and treat many dental problems effectively.
Moreover, X-rays help track the progression of oral health conditions over time. By comparing current and previous X-rays, our dentists can monitor any changes and adjust your treatment plan accordingly.
What Types of X-rays Are Offered?
There are various types of X-rays depending on your specific needs. Our team will assess your oral health and recommend the most suitable type of X-ray for you. Here are the different types of X-rays available:
Bitewing X-rays
Bitewing X-rays are the most common type of X-ray used in dentistry. They capture images of your upper and lower teeth, specifically the crowns and roots. These X-rays can detect cavities between teeth, bone loss due to gum disease, and any changes in the bone caused by infections or tumors.
Periapical X-rays
Periapical X-rays focus on one or two specific teeth, capturing images of the entire tooth from crown to root. These X-rays help detect changes in the roots, surrounding bone, and supporting structures.
Panoramic X-rays
Panoramic X-rays give a broad overview of your entire mouth. They capture images of your teeth, jawbone, and surrounding structures in one panoramic image. These X-rays help detect impacted teeth, bone abnormalities, and cysts.
Cone Beam CT Scans
Cone Beam CT scans use a cone-shaped X-ray beam to create a 3D image of your mouth. They provide detailed images of your teeth, bones, nerves, and soft tissues. These X-rays are beneficial for planning complex procedures such as dental implants and orthodontic treatments.
Safety of X-rays
Safety is a top priority for our patients. That’s why we follow strict protocols to ensure the safety of our patients during X-ray procedures. These include:
- Using lead aprons and thyroid collars to protect your body from radiation
- Using digital X-rays, which emit significantly less radiation compared to traditional film X-rays
- Only taking X-rays when necessary
What to Expect During an X-ray
Getting an X-ray at our clinic is a quick and painless process. Before the procedure, we will cover your body with a lead apron for protection. Then, our dental team will place a small sensor or film in your mouth and take images from different angles.
Each image only takes a few seconds to capture. If you have any concerns or anxiety about X-rays, please let us know beforehand so we can make the necessary accommodations.
Why Are Regular X-rays Important?
We recommend getting X-rays at least once a year as part of your routine dental check-up. However, our dentists may recommend more frequent X-rays if you have a history of dental problems or are undergoing specific treatments.
Regular X-rays allow our team to monitor your oral health and detect changes requiring treatment. By identifying problems early on, we can prevent them from progressing into more severe conditions that may require extensive treatment.
X-Rays in Nampa
X-rays are an essential tool in preventive dental care at Southridge Dental. They help us detect and treat oral health issues early, ensuring your smile remains healthy and beautiful. Dr. Squires, Dr. Leeb, and their dental team provide safe and effective X-ray services for our patients.
Please contact us today if you have any concerns or would like to schedule an appointment for preventative dentistry in Nampa, Idaho. We look forward to helping you achieve optimal oral health! We also offer cosmetic dentistry, restorative dentistry, and much more.