X-Rays Don’t Just Help Find Cavities!


There are many reasons we may need to take dental X-rays at Boulevard Dental. X-Rays don’t just help to diagnose cavities—they help do much more than that! Read more below about the multiple purposes of X-rays, the safety precautions we take with them, the different types of dental X-rays we offer, and the ways we determine which type of X-rays and frequency of X-rays are best for you.

Purposes of Dental X-Rays:

Dental X-rays help to find and treat dental problems before they become too serious or advanced. They allow Dr. Medianick to evaluate the condition of your teeth and also your roots, jaw bone, and facial composition. By taking routine x-rays, Dr. Medianick has found bone cancer, cysts, tumors, and bone loss. With this information he was able to catch these problems early to allow for a better patient prognosis. We even get to see a portion of your carotid artery with our X-rays. In fact, Dr. Medianick has referred patients to their physician with possible calcifications in their arteries. He even helped to save a patient’s life when he found an artery that was 99% blocked! The patient went on to have a stent placed by their doctor. Who knew dental X-rays could save a life?

Safety and X-Rays:

We take your safety very serious. We use digital radiography which utilizes just a small fraction of radiation compared to traditional film-type X-rays. We also use lead aprons with thyroid collars for added protection, and we only take films that are necessary for a complete diagnosis.

Types of Dental X-Rays:

There are different types of dental X-rays. Bitewings are the most common; we use these to locate early signs of decay between your teeth. Periapicals are taken to evaluate the entire tooth, including the root. These help us to diagnosis abscesses (infections) and to look for diseases affecting the bone around the teeth. Panoramic X-rays help us to identify jaw disorders, impacted teeth, cysts and tumors, and to evaluate a child’s development. At Boulevard Dental, we also have the technology to take a 3-D scan. 3-D scans give us a 360-degree view of your mouth. These are important for proper implant placement, locating nerves and sinuses, and determining the thickness of your bone. This technology also allows us to locate the exact location and extent of tumors, cysts, and bony defects.

Determining Type and Frequency:

We determine the type of X-ray that is best for you and how frequently you receive X-rays by evaluating your risk factors. Do you have a history of periodontal disease or tooth decay? Are you at high risk for decay, do you have xerostomia (dry mouth), do you have a diet rich in carbohydrates, or do you have inadequate hygiene homecare? Are you having any symptoms or pain?

Dental X-rays are an integral part of your dental appointments and your overall health. They help us to detect dental problems early, and they help save you pain and money. Sometimes they can even help save your life!

 

 Teresa Hanna, RDH
 Traci Powers, Office Facilitator