Dental X-rays

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Why It Is Done

Dental X-rays are done to:

* Find problems in the mouth such as tooth decay, damage to the bones supporting the teeth, and dental injuries (such as broken tooth roots). Dental X-rays are often done to find these problems early, before any symptoms are present.
* Find teeth that are not in the right place or do not break through the gum properly. Teeth that are too crowded to break through the gums are called impacted.
* Find cysts, solid growths (tumors), or abscesses.
* Check for the location of permanent teeth growing in the jaw in children who still have their primary (or baby) teeth.
* Plan treatment for large or extensive cavities, root canal surgery, placement of dental implants, and difficult tooth removals.
* Plan treatment of teeth that are not lined up straight (orthodontic treatment).

Without X-rays, dentists may miss the early stages of decay between teeth.
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Healthwise logo Last Updated: June 9, 2010

Medical Review:
Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Steven K. Patterson, BS, DDS, MPH - Dentistry


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