Digital X-Rays, also commonly known as radiographs, are undeniably an integral and essential aspect of a dental care treatment. Not only does a digital X-ray help dentists in diagnosing an anomaly in a patient’s mouth, but is also beneficial in preventing an oral care issue before it becomes poignant.
Digital X-Ray (or Digital Radiography) is the latest innovative addition to take dental X-rays. This particular technique takes the help of an electronic sensor instead of an X-ray film that captures and stores the digital image on a computer. Plus, a dentist can even transmit the images via in-office computers, in addition to printing and emailing copies of X-rays. Since it is a digital X-ray, dentists can instantly view and enlarge the image, thereby making the process of detecting a problem faster and easier.
Dentists and dental hygienists all over the world rely heavily on digital X-rays to fetch valuable information, which otherwise may or may not be available in a regular dental examination.
A good dentist will always be able to detect hidden dental abnormalities that may go unnoticed otherwise. A digital X-ray is the best diagnostic tool to determine the present condition of oral health and to decide further treatment plan.
In the absence of digital X-rays, a few of the problems that may go unnoticed are:
Developmental abnormalities
Decay between teeth
Bone loss
Problems in the gum line
Poor root positions
Cysts
Cancerous and non-cancerous tumours
The answer to this question depends on your dental history and the present condition of your mouth. If you regularly visit a dentist and have an excellent oral health, then you may need a digital X-ray once a three years or so. Besides, your age and lifestyle habits play a pivotal role in deciding the number of times you need digital X-rays for your mouth. Smoking, for instance, increases the risk of bone loss around the teeth and periodontal diseases, and hence may require you to get X-rays done often. Even users of chewing tobacco, adults with many fillings and crowns, and people with dry mouth require frequent digital X-rays. Children in particular may require X-rays once in six months.
When a damaged or decayed tooth is fully intact, a crown may be suitable for you. On the other hand, if a tooth is missing, but its former position is surrounded by other tooth structures, then a bridge may be advisable for you. It is best to schedule an appointment with a dentist to determine whether do you really need a crown or a bridge.