What General Dentistry Exams May Find in an X-Ray Diagnosis

General dentistry care can offer many benefits for your oral health. Even if you stay on top of good oral hygiene, you still will need regular checkups and treatments from your dentist. When you go to the dentist’s office for a visit, a number of things will happen. One of the first will be a series of X-rays. The hygienist or dentist will take the patient’s X-rays, except for pregnant women and small children. These images can show the dentist problems in the mouth that the naked eye cannot detect.

Preparing for a visit

Having a general dentistry checkup should occur at least every six months for people of all ages. This starts as soon as a child gets teeth and continues throughout life. Young patients and those who have not been to the dentist’s office for a long time may have anxiety leading up to and during a visit. It is helpful to know what will take place. Nervous patients should learn about the checkup process and what the dentist will do. It can also help to meet the staff beforehand and feel comfortable with them.

X-rays can show cavities

Tooth decay is perhaps the most common problem that dentists encounter. It is common in younger patients but takes place with teens, adults, and seniors as well. Larger cavities may be evident to the person or others just by looking or feeling. However, it takes an X-ray at a general dentistry appointment to identify smaller cavities. These tiny holes will form on the teeth as sugars and starches from foods eat away at the enamel layer of the tooth.

To repair a cavity, the dentist will put in a filling after cleaning out the decay. For larger cavities, the dentist will perform a root canal. X-rays may also show cavities beneath fillings. The dentist may also spot decay underneath crowns.

Bone loss

General dentistry services are concerned about the health of the person’s jaw as well. The jaw can also deteriorate due to extreme tooth decay and gum disease. When bone loss occurs, teeth can become loose and fall out. The shape of the person’s face can also change, affecting appearance and speech. X-rays can show these issues at all stages. If the dentist detects bone loss early enough, it may be possible to reverse the effects with a bone graft.

Cysts and tumors

A general dentistry checkup consists of routine procedures such as looking for cavities and cleaning teeth. The dentist will also keep an eye out for more serious problems such as oral cancer. X-rays can reveal that the patient has a tumor cyst as well. These may be deep within the jawbone. They also can be at any stage of development.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Google: General Dentist in Port Charlotte, FL

A key part of general dentistry visits

When you go to the dentist’s office, you can expect X-rays during a checkup. These generally take place at the beginning of the appointment. X-rays are vital because these images show things that the dentist would not ordinarily be able to see. There is nothing to be nervous about when getting an X-ray. From these pictures, the dentist will also know how to treat any conditions you have.

Request an appointment or call Dragonfly Dental of Port Charlotte at 941-676-9225 for an appointment in our Port Charlotte office.

Related Posts

What To Expect When Getting Dentures For The First Time

If you are about to get dentures for the first time, you may have several questions and concerns about what to expect. You feel uneasy about how they will feel, how they will look, and how they will affect your everyday life. The good news is that artificial teeth have come a long way, and…

The Different Types Of Dental Fillings

When you have severe tooth decay, you should seek treatment immediately. The most common treatment method for tooth decay is a dental filling. Dental fillings restore the affected tooth to its normal shape and function and preserve its structure. The following blog explores the different types of dental fillings and how to ask a dentist…

How To Properly Clean And Maintain Your Dentures

Dentures are one of the most popular ways to replace an entire arch of missing teeth. Over the years, they have evolved into the current standard, which means they look and feel like natural teeth. However, unlike natural teeth, they are (sometimes) removable, which makes the care process different.While it may seem less important to…

Dr. Matthew Navidomskis

Share
Published by
Dr. Matthew Navidomskis

Recent Posts

How an Implant Dentist Can Improve Your Smile

Missing teeth can severely affect an individual's self-esteem. Fortunately, an implant dentist can help restore…

5 days ago

Tooth Restoration Options From an Implant Dentist

An implant dentist can provide a natural-looking and durable alternative to traditional tooth-replacement methods with…

7 days ago

Dental Cleaning and Bad Breath

Dental cleanings are not only about cleanliness, but they also contribute to oral health.

1 week ago

What Is Laser Dentistry Used For?

Find out what dentists use laser dentistry for and whether this treatment can correct your…

1 week ago

What To Expect at a Consultation With an Implant Dentist

Implant dentists provide a teeth replacement option that closely resembles natural teeth. Whether a patient…

1 week ago

What To Ask an Implant Dentist About Dental Implants

Dental implants may be the answer if you are looking for a long-lasting alternative to…

2 weeks ago