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Dental X-ray is the most widely used method of screening undertaken when a simple visual oral examination does not reveal a cause for a specific tooth problem.
Dental X-ray is the most widely used method of screening undertaken when a simple visual oral examination does not reveal a cause for a specific tooth problem. It can be used to figure out problem in the following cases:
* When a person has abscesses (infection in between the gum and teeth or at the root of teeth), a dental x-ray is done.
* To figure out if a person is suffering from dental abnormalities such as cysts or solid growths such as tumor.
* To find out if decay has set in beneath an existing area of tooth filling.
* To assess the extent of tooth decay problem suffered by individuals with oral hygiene problems.
* To reveal if there is bone loss along with tooth decay.
* To check the extent of damage when the bones supporting the teeth have suffered damage or when there are dental injuries (e.g. broken tooth roots).
* To find out teeth which are impacted or are not in the right place.
* To prepare the course of orthodontic treatment (treatment of teeth that are not lined up straight).
* To figure out a course of treatment for root canal surgery, large or extensive cavities, and difficult tooth removals.
* To figure out the correct method of placement of braces, dentures and dental implants.
* To check the extent of change from infection in the bone or the root canal.
* To find the location of growth of permanent teeth in children who still retain their primary teeth.
People who Need X-Rays the Most
1. Children: Children need dental X-ray most as they are at an early stage of developing dental problems. Regular x-rays can help identify a problem before it becomes a major problem. Hence, they should get it done at least once every year.
2. People who eat and drink a lot of sugary stuff: People who eat and drink a lot of sugary things should also get their teeth x-rayed. This help them screen different types of dental problems right at the beginning, giving them an opportunity to modify their destructive habits before it is too late.
3. People who have undergone restorative work: People who have undergone restorative work such as dental filling need to get x-ray done to rule out possibilities of decay developing under the filling.
4. People who smoke: The Nicotine in tobacco smoke gets accumulated in between and around the teeth. This can result in periodontal disease and bone loss. X-ray can help find out the onset of these problems.
5. People suffering from gum disease: People suffering from gum disease are at an increased risk of bone loss. Periodical x-ray can help identify the extent of bone loss.
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