Teeth Cleaning and Dental Hygiene in ardmore,pa

Dental x-rays are necessary to observe potential disease in teeth, surrounding tissue, and in the roots and bone beneath the gums. Common problems that are detectable on x-ray films include:

• Decay in hidden places such as in between teeth.
• Decay beneath a dental filling.
• Infection in the root canal.
• An abscess (infection in between the gums and a tooth or at the tip of a tooth root).
• Bone loss caused by gum disease.
• In children, x-rays also show the development of new teeth, including wisdom teeth, and developmental abnormalities.

The frequency of dental x-rays can differ from one person to another. Some people may need this screening every six months, while others may only need x-rays every couple of years. Dentists generally perform x-rays on new patients to become a part of their dental record.

Those who may need more frequent x-rays include:

• Children whose jaws and teeth are still developing.
• Adults who have had extensive restorative work and have several fillings or other dental work.
• People with gum disease.
• People with a condition such as dry mouth.
• Smokers may need frequent x-rays due to the increased risk of periodontal disease and bone loss.