Not all dental issues are obvious at first glance. Cavities, infections, or bone loss can develop without any immediate symptoms, putting your oral health at risk. That’s where dental X-rays come in. Imagine catching a dental issue before it causes pain or requires extensive treatment—that’s the power of dental X-rays. These essential diagnostic tools allow us to see what’s beneath the surface, identifying problems that might not be visible during a standard exam.
At Dental Group of Chicago, we prioritize early detection because we know it’s the key to maintaining your oral health and avoiding unnecessary complications. Using advanced imaging technology, we ensure accurate diagnoses and tailored treatment plans, all while prioritizing your comfort and safety. With our proactive approach, you can feel confident that your smile is in good hands.
In general dentistry, we rely on X-rays to help identify issues that aren’t visible to the naked eye. A common example of X-rays detecting issues before they cause further problems is identifying wisdom teeth. Specifically, an X-ray can make it possible for your dental team to see how many wisdom teeth a patient will grow, what angle the teeth are growing in from, and whether you’ll need to get them extracted. X-rays can also help your dental team find infections, tumors, and signs of bone loss.
By detecting issues quickly, patients can experience less pain and discomfort in the long run. This principle extends to many other dental issues as well, helping patients save time and money while preserving their smiles.
X-rays help your dental team safely plan any procedures and treatments. So, not only do these tools help with early detection and diagnosis, but they also give your dentist essential information about what options might be best for an individual patient.
Determining whether someone is a good fit for a dental implant would be extremely difficult without an X-ray, at least for those who want to minimize invasive procedures. X-rays allow dental providers to determine whether the jawbone is strong enough to support an implant, whether a bone graft would be helpful, or if another solution would ultimately be better for a patient. X-rays can also make it easier to keep an eye on treatment progress without over-exacerbating the affected area.
Many of us are afraid of radiation and other dangerous chemicals affecting our bodies. Luckily, for the vast majority of patients, including young children, X-rays do not present a serious risk. Dental X-rays are carefully and closely regulated to ensure that risks stay low.
Dental X-rays use very low levels of radiation, much lower than many medical tests used in other environments. They’re also performed as necessary, rather than during every single dental appointment, such as when evaluating for issues and planning treatments.
Dentists will provide protective lead aprons to restrict X-ray radiation from entering other parts of the body. For example, pregnant patients do not generally put risk to their unborn children during a dental X-ray, as there is an extremely small likelihood that a fetus would be exposed to radiation during the process. However, if you wish to act with an abundance of caution, you can speak with your dentist about your concerns and postpone most X-rays until after the baby has been born.
At Dental Group of Chicago, we recognize the importance of advanced diagnostics in ensuring optimal oral health. Dental X-rays are an invaluable tool for detecting problems early, planning effective treatments, and monitoring progress with precision. Whether it’s identifying hidden cavities, assessing wisdom teeth growth, or determining the suitability for dental implants, our cutting-edge imaging technology provides the clarity needed for comprehensive care.
Your safety and comfort are our top priorities. We use low-radiation digital X-rays and protective measures to ensure you feel peace of mind, while also receiving accurate results. By choosing Dental Group of Chicago, you’re taking a proactive step toward preserving your oral health. Contact us today at (312) 588-0043 or use our contact form to schedule your appointment. Let us help you achieve a healthier, brighter smile with confidence.