X-rays, also known as radiography, serves as an important tool to dentists that allow them to see the condition of your teeth, roots, jaw, and overall facial bone composition. X-rays can reveal the advanced nature of periodontal disease, as well as tumors and abcesses.
There are three (3) basic kinds of X-rays:
- Bitewings, the most common kind of dental X-ray, are used to spot cavities and decay.
- Periapical X-rays show a broad picture of the entire tooth structure. These pictures are used to spot deep tooth problems, such as impacted teeth, abscesses, and bone loss.
- Panoramic X-rays are designed to capture an entire mouth, and are generally used to spot tumors, cysts, and wisdom teeth, as well as determine tooth development in children.