Dental X-Rays

X-rays are used by our Los Angeles dental x-rays expert to detect oral health issues such as tooth decay, jaw bone loss, or to check the health of the mouth during routine exams. A variety of dental X-ray types may be used depending on the purpose of the exam. Intraoral and extraoral X-rays, which are performed inside and outside of the mouth, respectively, are the two major categories of dental X-rays. Multiple options are available in each of these groups.

Dental X-rays are an essential part of regular check-ups and help guide effective treatment in many situations. When tooth decay has started but is too small to be detected by the unaided eye, X-rays can make targeted restoration by our expert in dental x-rays in Los Angeles possible so that the problem does not grow worse. X-rays can also catch oral cancer early so that treatment can ensue for an optimal prognosis. Although some radiation is received during dental X-rays, the amount is negligible and does not present a risk to patients. With digital dental X-rays, radiation is even less than with conventional X-rays.

Dental X-Rays Los Angeles

Intraoral X-rays include bite-wing X-rays, periapical X-rays and occlusal X-rays. Bite-wing X-rays are the most common and are often used by our dentist in Los Angeles to look for signs of tooth decay or jaw bone loss. Periapical X-rays are usually performed to inspect bone structure, and occlusal X-rays are performed to look at entire arches of teeth. Extraoral X-rays include panoramic X-rays for macroscopic viewing of the mouth, sialography for inspection of the saliva glands, cephalometric projections for examining the oral profile and tomograms for looking closely at areas that are difficult to see otherwise.

As a crucial component of modern dentistry, X-rays open the door to earlier and more effective treatment of many different issues. The types of X-rays used by our Los Angeles dental x-rays expert depend on a variety of factors, including prior exams, medical history, diagnosis, and age. To learn more about this technology and its uses, patients can schedule a consultation with our expert in dental x-rays in Los Angeles.