How healthy are your teeth? Although many people are quick to underestimate their dental health, the fact of the matter is that there are a lot of different elements that play into overall dental wellness. From how often you brush and floss to how regularly you attend regular checkups, it is important to stay in close communication with your dentist, especially if you come down with a new symptom. The purpose of this website is to help people to understand and resolve dental issues, since small symptoms can lead to big problems down the road. Check out these posts to learn more about dental care.
If you have a dental visit in the next few weeks, you might want to plan to talk to your dentist about panoramic x-rays. Panoramic x-rays are not as conventional in dentistry as bitewings, but they serve many vital roles and purposes. While you can opt-out of getting a panoramic x-ray, there are some fantastic reasons for getting one. Here are some of the top things you should know about these x-rays before you visit your dentist.
What They Are
The first thing to learn about panoramic x-rays is what they are, as they are not the same as bitewing x-rays. When you go to the dentist, they will typically take two to four bitewing x-rays of your teeth. These pictures show different teeth, as each one only covers a small part of your mouth. A panoramic x-ray is one large picture that shows every tooth in your mouth in one image. It is more comprehensive than bitewings, and it offers benefits.
The Benefits They Offer Patients
You can reap several benefits by choosing a panoramic x-ray of your mouth. The first is comfort. Bitewing x-rays are not comfortable for most people. Some people even experience pain during them, plus it takes longer for the dentist to take all of them. A panoramic x-ray might take around 30 seconds or so, but it is not uncomfortable.
Secondly, a panoramic x-ray shows the entire mouth instead of showing only portions of the mouth. Additionally, it shows the jawbone, wisdom teeth, and other internal parts. Therefore, it provides more detail of your mouth to your dentist.
Reasons Dentists Suggest Them
Dentists do not always suggest taking panoramic x-rays, but they recommend them sometimes. Some dentists recommend taking one every three to five years. Other dentists recommend them only if there are potential problems.
For example, dentists like taking panoramic x-rays of teenagers to see their wisdom teeth development. This picture can help the dentist determine if the teen needs their wisdom teeth extracted. Dentists also take them to diagnosis jaw problems and other abnormalities with a person's teeth, jaw, or bone. If your dentist does not suggest it, you can ask about it.
Panoramic x-rays serve a crucial role in dentistry. If you have questions about them, talk to your dentist. You can decide if you should get one by asking your dentist questions about them. If you need an appointment, call a clinic to schedule one.