Have You Ever Wondered Why Your Dentist Compares Your X-Rays Between Visits?
Posted on 4/1/2025 by Century Dental
Have you ever noticed your dentist holding up two X-rays, one from your current visit and another from a previous one? You might have wondered why they do this. Well, there's a good reason! Comparing X-rays between visits is an essential part of your oral care routine and helps your dentist monitor your oral health in several ways.
Tracking Changes Over Time
Just like other parts of your body, your mouth is constantly changing. X-rays allow your dentist to see what's happening beneath the surface, including the health of your teeth, gums, and jawbone. By comparing X-rays, they can track any changes that have occurred since your last visit. This helps them identify potential issues early on, when they are often easier and less expensive to treat.
Detecting Hidden Problems
X-rays can reveal problems that may not be visible during a regular exam. For example, they can show:
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Cavities: Even small cavities that haven't caused any symptoms yet can be detected on an X-ray. Early detection helps prevent them from growing larger and causing pain or requiring more extensive treatment.
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Gum Disease: X-rays can show bone loss caused by gum disease, even if the gums appear healthy on the surface. Early treatment can help prevent tooth loss and other serious complications.
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Impacted Teeth: These are teeth that are stuck below the gum line and haven't erupted. X-rays can help identify impacted teeth so they can be removed before they cause problems.
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Cysts and Tumors: X-rays can reveal abnormal growths in the jawbone that may require further investigation or treatment.
Evaluating Existing Restorations
If you have fillings, crowns, or other dental restorations, your dentist will use X-rays to check their condition. They can see if the restoration is still intact, if there is any decay around it, and if the surrounding bone is healthy. This helps them determine if the restoration needs to be replaced or repaired.
Planning Future Treatment
X-rays are also essential for planning future treatment. For example, if you need a dental implant, your dentist will use X-rays to assess the bone density and determine the best location for the implant. X-rays are also used to plan orthodontic treatment, such as braces or Invisalign.
Conclusion
Comparing X-rays between visits is a valuable tool that helps your dentist monitor your oral health and detect problems early. This can help prevent serious issues and keep your smile healthy for years to come. If you have any questions about X-rays or your oral health, be sure to ask your dentist. They are happy to discuss any concerns you may have.
Dentist Hillsboro, OR | Dental Blog - Century Dental Hillsboro, OR Jefferson Call, DMD and Dix Densley, DDS believe that the better informed their patients are, the better their decisions about dental care can be. With this blog, they hope to inform and empower our readers in their oral health. - See more Century Dental, 2831 SE Cornelius Pass Rd, Hillsboro, OR 97123, (971) 708-1608, centurydentalllc.com, 4/21/2025, Page Terms:Dentist Hillsboro OR
Have you ever noticed your dentist holding up two X-rays, one from your current visit and another from a previous one? You might have wondered why they do this. Well, there's a good reason! Comparing X-rays between visits is an essential part of your oral care routine and helps your dentist monitor your oral health in several ways.