Having the ability to see inside your teeth and gums with the use of an X-ray camera is a tremendous asset. It is hard to imagine what it was like for doctors in times past to diagnose accurately without being able to look at the patient internally. It is a good thing that we live in a day and age where we do not have to do without X-ray technology.

At most dental offices they take new X-rays of your teeth at least once a year, unless there is a need to monitor an ongoing dental procedure.These pictures are called radiographs, but most people just call them X-rays. They are a critical tool that we use to check for disease inside the teeth, tooth roots, gums and jawbone. With dental X-rays, we are able to catch problematic issues before they become serious, and see decay prior to infection.

There are several types of X-rays that are taken when you visit the dentist. The most common types are called bitewing, periapical and panoramic radiographs. The bitewing focuses upon the crown portions of the teeth, the periapical gives us a good look at your teeth’s bone height or root tips, and the panoramic X-ray produces an image of the entire oral cavity in one large picture. Normally, we will want new X-rays taken annually, unless there is a dental issue that needs to be monitored more frequently.

If you would like more information about the importance of dental X-rays, call Dr. Pierson and our team at Pierson Orthodontics. You can make an appointment at: 210.695.1116, or come by our office in San Antonio, TX.