What is a Dental X-ray?
A dental X-ray is a radiographic image of your bone and your teeth, essentially everything that’s going on behind the skin and in the mouth, and is specifically limited to the head and neck area. At Sweet Hart Dental, your Pembroke Pines dental practice, our comprehensive approach to dentistry means we utilize dental X-rays for everything from preventive care to planning restorative or cosmetic dental treatments. Whether you’re considering restorative dentistry or just need a checkup, call Dr. Darlene Hart at (954) 437-9288 to schedule your next appointment. We’re proud to welcome patients from our surrounding communities, like Coral Springs, Hollywood, and Miramar.
Sweet Hart Dental’s Comprehensive Care Philosophy
With her diverse educational background and extensive training portfolio, Dr. Hart offers a truly comprehensive approach to dental health. Her expertise spans from preventive care and general dentistry to complex procedures like full mouth reconstruction. This breadth of knowledge allows her to develop integrated treatment plans that address not just immediate dental concerns but also long-term oral health and aesthetic goals. Patients appreciate having access to multiple specialties through one trusted provider who understands how different treatments work together for optimal results.
When Do Dentists Take Dental X-rays?
Dentists usually take dental X-rays when they need to see what’s happening with the teeth. This can be for a variety of reasons, such as a child’s tooth not growing in when expected, or if a patient is experiencing pain. X-rays help us diagnose the problem that a patient may come in with, that we’re unable to fully diagnose just by what they’re telling us.
What is the Purpose of Dental X-rays?
The purpose of dental x-rays is to help us diagnose properly and treat efficiently, and accurately the problem that a patient presents with. For example, if a patient has pain, we need to take an X-ray so we know where the pain is coming from. X-rays also help us determine the size and depth of a cavity, if a patient has enough bone to support a dental implant, and where the vital structures are, so we can avoid those and successfully extract a tooth without causing any damage to the patient.
What are the Different Types of Dental X-rays and How are They Used?
There are several types of dental X-rays that we use in dentistry.
The typical X-ray, called a periapical or PA, helps us see the roots of the teeth.
A bitewing X-ray helps us see cavities in between the teeth, specifically the back teeth.
A panorex X-ray, or pano, gives us a full picture of what’s happening from joint to joint or ear to ear.
A lateral cephalometric X-ray, or ceph, allows us to look at the teeth in relation to the jaw.
Finally, a cone beam computed tomography, or CBCT, lets us see the jaw in 3D form. This is especially helpful when placing implants because it lets us know how much bone is there and the density of the bone.
Are Dental X-rays Covered by Insurance?
When we need dental X-rays, a patient will often ask or wonder, “Does my insurance cover this?” And the answer to that is, in most instances, yes. They cover on frequency, how often we’re taking the X-rays. However, there are times when we need the image to be able to diagnose and treat you correctly, properly, and safely. So in those instances, the patient usually does want to go forward with the X-ray regardless of insurance coverage.
When Should I Schedule a Dental Exam?
We often get asked, “When should I schedule my dental exam?” And the answer is right away. You need to know what’s happening inside your mouth. We can take the X-rays, and then after taking the X-rays and evaluating them, at that point, we do an exam to make sure that everything matches up and to come up with the right treatment for you based on the X-rays and what the dental exam showed.
Schedule Your Next Appointment at Sweet Hart Dental
Thank you for taking the time to explore the important role dental X-rays play in maintaining optimal oral health. I hope this information has addressed your questions and alleviated any concerns you may have. At Sweet Hart Dental, located in the heart of Pembroke Pines and proudly serving the surrounding communities of Miramar, Weston, Cooper City, and Davie, we are committed to providing exceptional dental care in a welcoming and professional environment.
If you require a dental X-ray in Pembroke Pines, a comprehensive exam, or simply wish to discuss your oral health needs, our dedicated team is here to assist you. Please feel free to contact us at (954) 437-9288 to schedule an appointment or ask any questions. Alternatively, you can conveniently book a consultation through our online scheduling system. We look forward to partnering with you to achieve a healthy, confident smile.