X-rays help your dentist to see the condition of your teeth, their roots, jaw placement and the overall composition of your facial bones, which are not visible to the naked eye.
X-Rays can help your dentist determine the presence or degree of periodontal disease, abscesses and many abnormal growths, such as cysts and tumours. X-rays can also show the exact location of impacted teeth (teeth that are under the gums, such as wisdom teeth). They can pinpoint the location of cavities and other signs of disease (such as changes in the jaw bone structure as a result of systemic disease) that may not be possible to detect through visual examination.
If you are experiencing pain, your dentist will take an x-ray to better understand the cause of the pain.
Your oral condition changes over time so x-rays are normally taken regularly (usually every 2 years) to review your condition at that moment in time. If you are a new patient with us, it is normal procedure for the dentist to take x-rays of your back teeth, as well as an OPG.