X-rays are common occurrences when visiting your dentist for a routine oral exam. They offer additional insight into oral issues, including hard-to-detect cavities, impacted teeth, and other dental problems. Here's what you should know about X-rays and why they are essential for your oral health. 

Why Are X-Rays Necessary?

Dental X-rays play an important role all throughout a patient's life. For children, an X-ray provides assurance that their teeth are developing correctly. If they're not, this diagnostic exam can help the dentist pinpoint the specific areas in need of treatment. This is often the precursor to orthodontic treatments. 

X-rays also continue to be an essential diagnostic tool as a person grows older. They can identify possible issues before symptoms actually arise, which limits discomfort in patients. X-rays are usually taken when visiting a new dental office for the first time, but your age, oral health history, and symptoms can also affect their frequency.  

What Sort of Issues Can Dental X-Rays Show?

Your dentist will perform a comprehensive examination during your checkup to look for signs of cavities and gum disease. However, they can only determine so much from the physical exam alone, which is where C-rays come in. For instance, it may not be possible for your dental team to identify decay between the teeth, but an X-ray can pick up on this issue. It can also identify cavities or decay that have developed underneath a filling. 

X-rays can also pick up more serious issues, including abscesses. These are infections that develop deep within oral tissues, which requires immediate treatment to prevent more serious effects. An X-ray can also locate abnormal growths to ensure timely treatment of oral cancers. The sooner an oral cancer is diagnosed, the better the prognosis for the patient.

In Canton, OH, Amison Dental Group provides comprehensive oral exams, including digital X-rays. They also use other state-of-the-art treatments and techniques, including intraoral cameras and laser therapy. Dr. Brian Amison and the rest of his team are committed to patient satisfaction and comfort. They also provide flexible scheduling to accommodate people with busy lifestyles. Schedule an appointment at their clinic by calling (330) 452-2255 today. You can also visit the website to learn more about their dental services.