Digital x-rays are used in dental practice in Maryville, TN, to help detect the degree of tooth decay, gum disease, and cavities. This is important because dental health is essential for the overall health and well-being of the body.
Your dentist may recommend that you go see a specialist when teeth are decayed severely. A specialist will use the x-ray to examine the areas between your teeth, which are called the interproximal zone. The interproximal zone is used to detect and measure the degree of decay in molars, front teeth, premolars, or canines.
We will now see what these digital x-rays are capable of revealing.
- Abscesses or cysts
Cysts are fluid-filled sacs that develop in soft tissue as a result of trauma or infection. They appear as round or oval masses on the X-Ray. The type of cyst you have depends on whether the fluid is thick and clear or thin and cloudy. These cysts can be a cause of pain or discomfort.
- Bone loss
Bone loss is the loss of bone over the course of the tooth. As a result, teeth or roots may begin to protrude into the gums. This condition becomes apparent with severe decay that extends beyond the surface of a tooth. X-rays are useful in detecting tooth root resorption, in which part of the root surface starts to grow back on its own before new bone formation catches up with it.
- Cancerous and non-cancerous tumors
Cancerous tumors form when abnormal cells in the body multiply and grow uncontrollably. This kind of tumor is more serious than non-cancerous tumors. Non-cancerous tumors develop from post-traumatic scar tissue, excess bone cells, or abnormal tissue growth. X-rays can help you and your doctor diagnose these tumors by detecting the size, shape, and location of the tumor in the body.
- Decay between the teeth
Decay between the teeth is the result of tooth decay. It occurs when the enamel or dentin begins to erode away, which allows more tooth material to be exposed. An X-ray can help determine what is causing this decay, which helps identify whether it is local or systemic.
- Developmental abnormalities
Developmental abnormalities in children are often found in the mouth. These abnormalities may be present at birth or may happen during the first months of life. X-rays can help detect anatomical deformities, such as changes in tooth size, tooth shape, and missing teeth.
