Why Do You Need Dental X-Rays?

Dental X-rays are a tool we use to get the most precise picture of how healthy your teeth, bones, and gums are in areas we can’t easily see during a basic dental check-up. X-rays are simple, easy, and safe. With modern technology, it usually only takes a few minutes to take new X-rays. But, it helps us at Grimes Dentistry to ensure you get the best dental care in Lubbock, TX.  

What are Dental X-rays? 

X-rays allow us to see any issues with your gums or teeth, which would otherwise be difficult to detect in any other non-invasive way. They will give us a clear view beneath caps, fillings, implants, gums, and bones. X-rays are excellent as a preventative healthcare step. The goal is to use X-rays to see problems before they become dental emergencies.

X-rays also help us track your teeth’ movement and the placement of your jawbones. We can review what your mouth looks like over time, but we can also look at how your teeth grow from different angles.  So, we can determine when an issue needs to be addressed quickly or if there are differences that might indicate mouth or teeth concerns we’ll need to address in the future.  

How Often Should You Get Dental X-rays? 

If you’re healthy without a history of dental issues, we might ask you to get dental X-rays yearly to support dental health. Your dental health provider will encourage you to have X-rays taken more often (every six months) if: 

• You are a child under twelve – because of how fast your bones are growing and changing 
• You have a history of dental health problems, including multiple fillings 
• You or your family has a history of gum disease 
• You are or have been a tobacco user 

All these factors mean that your teeth are changing at a different rate, and it is essential to spot changes as early as possible. 

How Grimes Dentistry Can Help

If you haven’t had dental X-rays taken recently or are looking for a dental professional near you, Grimes Dentistry would love to help you keep your mouth healthy. So contact us today for a brighter smile tomorrow.