X-rays

X-rays, also known as dental radiography, are an important and necessary part of the diagnostic process. Without an X-ray of the whole tooth, including supporting bone and gum tissues, there is no real way to fully detect what problems you’re experiencing below the surface of your tooth enamel and gums. Not using X-rays could lead to undiagnosed ailments and disease, ranging from cavities to serious infections requiring immediate treatment.

X-rays comprise a focused beam of X-ray particles through bone that produces an image on our computer screen of the structure through which it has passed. This process produces the familiar black and white images that doctors and dentists use to diagnose problems. (Infections, periodontal damage appears and other less dense material appears lighter, while more dense restorations such as crowns and fillings appear darker.)