A tooth has FIVE SIDES that need to be checked for decay. In most cases only three of these five sides can be examined by directly looking. The other two sides are hidden from view due to another tooth in front or behind.
X-RAYS help us determine if decay is occurring on these hidden sides since decay shows up as a tiny shadow on the x-ray. X-rays also give us other important information as:
• the condition of old fillings or crowns below the gum
• the amount of bone supporting a tooth
• infection or cysts around the root of an injured, decayed, or impacted tooth
• the shape and number of roots on a tooth
The amount of radiation from an x-ray is very slight. It is only a fraction of what it was 10 to 15 years ago. This is due to vast improvements in x-ray machines and also digital x-rays. In fact, more radiation is absorbed from spending a day at the beach than in having 18 x-rays taken.
For that reason, it is advisable to have periodic x-rays taken at 1 1/2 to 2 year intervals to check for decay and other dental conditions that could not otherwise be detected by visual examination alone.