Did you know that about 30% of Americans don’t see a dentist each year?
Without regular dental visits, you can put yourself at risk for more serious problems. X-rays are an important part of your treatment plan that helps keep your smile healthy.
If you’ve skipped your checkups, you may not have dental X-rays in your history. Your dentist can use that information to help you avoid more serious problems. So, what do X-rays entail? What should you look for? We’ve got you covered.
Keep reading to learn more about the X-rays needed for dental procedures.
Table of Contents
1. Toothache
Signs that you need to get dental x-rays if you are experiencing a toothache include prolonged pain that is still present after over-the-counter medications, or pain that worsens no matter what you do. In addition, toothache often comes with swelling in the affected tooth, which could signify an infection. If there is a tooth abscess, which is an infection between the tooth and gums, it may be necessary to get X-rays to see the extent of the infection.
Other signs include sensitivity when biting down, drinking hot or cold liquids, or if the toothache worsens when lying down. Any loose teeth should also be looked at by a dentist for potential X-rays. X-rays are the only way to detect any potential cavities, infection, or even gum disease, and they can help diagnose and solve the underlying issue causing toothache.
If you experience any of the signs and symptoms mentioned above, it’s best to visit your local dentist office and get a dental x-ray.
2. Change in Tooth Color
If you notice a change in the color of your teeth, it is a strong sign that you may need to get dental X-rays. The color change may be a sign that there are problems below the surface of your teeth, such as decay, abscesses, or other infections. Also, affected wisdom teeth could be pressed against the other teeth and cause discoloration.
X-rays can detect underlying issues so that you can start any necessary treatment on time to prevent further damage or uneasiness to your teeth. It is important to note that certain teeth whitening products may cause a temporary color change to your teeth. Thus, it is wise to consult with your dentist if you are uncertain about the cause of the change in tooth color.
3. Unexplained Bad Breath
The unexplained bad breath can be a sign that you need to get an X-ray. If you have practiced good oral care, including brushing, flossing, and seeing the dentist for professional teeth cleanings, but are still experiencing bad breath, then this could be a sign that there’s an issue beneath the surface, such as a cavity or other oral health infection. Other signs you may need to get dental X-rays include sensitivity to hot and cold food or drinks, new blemishes on the gums, pain or tenderness in the jaws, or swelling in and around the mouth or face.
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms in combination with bad breath, you should consider visiting your dentist for a checkup and X-rays to determine the underlying cause of your symptoms and receive proper treatment.
4. Bleeding or Swollen Gums
Bleeding or swollen gums are signs that may indicate a need for X-rays. If you notice that your gums are bleeding when you brush or floss, that may indicate inflammation and, in some cases, infection below the gum line. If you have swollen, red, or tender gums, again, you may want to have a dental x-ray done to see if there is any underlying issue.
If the gums themselves are hard, or if your teeth feel loose, a dental x-ray can help determine if that is caused by inflammation or something else causes caused. Pain can also be a possible sign that a dental x-ray is needed to properly diagnose and treat any potential issues. By responding quickly, you can help ensure that it can address any dental issues soon before further damage occurs.
5. Jaw Pain or Discomfort
If you are suffering from jaw pain and discomfort, it might be a sign that you need to get dental X-rays. X-rays allow dentists to detect underlying issues that are not visible to the naked eye such as fractures, cysts, bone loss, or infection. It can even be used to detect the presence of impacted wisdom teeth that can cause jaw and facial hurt.
If your jaw pain has become unbearable, it’s important to get dental X-rays done to identify any underlying problems that may be causing the inconvenience.
6. Sensitivity to Temperature Changes
Sensitivity to temperature changes is an indicator that you may need to get dental X-rays. If the tooth hurts and intensifies when exposed to high or low temperatures, it can be a sign of an infection. Additionally, decaying teeth can be sensitive to temperature as well.
If you find that you consistently experience pain upon drinking a cold or hot beverage, you should consider getting X-rays to further assess the situation. It is never worth risking untreated dental care problems, as these can lead to an array of other complicated dental health issues over time. X-rays can provide an accurate measure of how serious of a problem you have so you can begin treatment as soon as possible.
7. Difficulty Chewing
If you have difficulty chewing, it is a sign that you might need dental X-rays. Many things, an abnormal bite, or a misalignment of the teeth can cause difficulty chewing. X-rays can provide a detailed look at what’s happening inside your mouth.
They can show whether a tooth is decayed or broken, if the jawbone is affected, and even if a tooth needs to be removed. X-rays can also check for impacted wisdom teeth, which can cause a strange feeling when chewing. If you are having trouble chewing, make sure you seek out an X-ray to get a better understanding of what’s going on.
Schedule Dental X-Rays for Better Oral Health
From cavities to gum disease, dental X-rays can help make sure your teeth stay healthy for years to come. Get started today by scheduling your appointment with your dentist and getting your teeth checked for any underlying problems that an X-ray could quickly identify. Don’t take the risk of an avoidable future dental problem; act now!
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