At OKC Smiles in Oklahoma City, keeping our patients in excellent dental health is much easier when we have thorough information. In this case, pictures are worth a thousand words.
Pictures, in the form of x-rays, reveal what’s going on below the surface of your teeth and gums. That’s why we like to have complete and up-to-date X-rays.
There are several types of x-rays:
- Bite-Wing x-rays give us a picture of the upper and lower back teeth. We can see how they touch each other and see if there is any decay.
- Panoramic x-rays give us the big picture: a view of the teeth, jaws and jaw joints, nasal area, and even the sinuses. These are especially useful if we think the patient may need orthodontics or a dental implant.
- Occlusal x-rays show us the floor of the mouth, and the bite of the upper or lower jaw. They’re good for showing the development of children’s teeth, both the baby and permanent teeth.
How often we take X-rays is largely determined by your age as well as the state of your dental health. Because children are growing and experience more changes to their teeth, they usually need X-rays more frequently.
Since they use radiation, some patients are concerned about X-rays. But they are designed to minimize patient exposure; you only get negligible amounts. The latest generations of X-rays reduce radiation even more. Still, we take the added safety measure of covering the patient with a heavy leaded apron and collar.
At OKC Smiles in Oklahoma City, X-rays help us maintain the dental health of all our patients. Our patients come from Norman, Edmond, and Mustang for general dentistry, and appreciate that we are wheelchair accessible. Schedule an appointment with us today!
Contact OKC Smiles:
405-634-7303
Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):
13900 S Western Ave, Suite 300
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
73170
