Want to Become a Patient? 866-938-5879 Current Patients 915-581-0500
David M. Rizk, DDS

“Why Do I Need to Have Dental X-Rays Taken?”

added on: April 24, 2018

dental x-rayWhen we typically think of x-rays, we may immediately think of a huge machine that’s checking for a broken bone. Dental x-rays are a little bit different. They’re an important part of diagnosing disease or other problems. In fact, at our dental office in El Paso, we use dental x-rays as a crucial aspect to our approach to preventive dentistry so we can catch any issues early while they’re still easy to treat. This month, we examine a few things that dental x-rays can help us diagnose as well as some different types of x-rays you may have.

What Do Dental X-Rays Help Diagnose?

At your bi-annual dental appointments, you’ll receive an in-depth exam and thorough cleaning. During these procedures, we’re taking close look at your overall oral health. But there are a lot of places in your mouth where problems can hide. Dental x-rays help us see and diagnose these issues that otherwise would have gone unnoticed. Dental x-rays can help us see:

Decay below the surface or in between teeth

Bone loss caused by gum disease or other issues

Impacted wisdom teeth

Damaged bone

Abscesses or cysts

Imagery obtained through x-rays give your dentist in El Paso the ability to diagnose disease or problems early and oftentimes before you experience any signs or painful symptoms.

What Are the Different Types of Dental X-Rays?

Dental x-rays can be classified as either intraoral or extraoral, both of which show different views of the mouth. Intraoral x-rays are more detailed images of individual teeth while extraoral x-rays show a more comprehensive look at the overall mouth including all of the teeth and the jaw. Each type of x-ray helps your dental team identify different things. Let’s take a closer look.

Intraoral X-Rays

Since intraoral x-rays show close-up details of each tooth, they’re helpful in diagnosing

Decay between teeth or fillings

Gum disease

Bone deterioration

Extraoral X-Rays

With a broader view of the entire mouth, extraoral x-rays can help get an up-close-and-personal look at:

Tooth development

Potential Issues with the jaw joint (TMJ)

Impacted teeth

Having dental x-rays taken can help save you from experiencing painful dental problems that may require complex treatment and are a necessary part of a proper preventive approach to dental care. These x-rays emit a low amount of radiation and, along with the additional safety precautions our El Paso dental office take, are incredibly safe.

About The Author
Dr. David M. Rizk

Dr. David M. Rizk, recognized as the Best Dentist in America in 2004-2005, focuses on treating patients who have given up on their dental care. He is a member of several dental organizations, including the Academy of General Dentistry and the Las Vegas Institute. He obtained fellowship accreditation from the International Congress of Oral Implantologists and is a fellow at the Misch International Implant Institute. Dr. Rizk contributes to different dental journals, being an expert in his field.


What Patients Are Saying

From Our Blog

Apr19

Who Needs Dentures? El Paso Guide to Candidates, Options & Next Steps

Wondering if dentures might be in your future? If you’re experiencing missing teeth, dental pain, or difficulty chewing, you’re not alone, and understanding your options is the first step to restoring your smile. As a dentist in El Paso with over 15 years of experience, I’ve helped hundreds of patients... Read More...

Apr10

Denture Options in El Paso: Full, Partial & Implant-Supported Compared

Choosing the right dentures can be confusing, but understanding your options ensures a better long-term outcome. As a dentist in El Paso with over a decade of experience, I’ve helped hundreds of patients restore their smiles and quality of life through personalized denture solutions. Dentures are removable or fixed prosthetic... Read More...