The Necessity and Benefits of Dental X-RAYS

The Necessity  of  Dental X-RAYS


The benefits of X-rays are well known: They help dentists diagnose common problems such as cavities, gum disease and some types of infections. X-rays allow dentists to see inside a tooth and beneath the gums. Without them, more disease would go unchecked. Treatment would begin later. As a result, people would have more pain and lose more teeth.

What Dental X-RAYS Show?

Intraoral X-rays are the most common type of radiograph taken in dentistry. They give a high level of detail of the tooth, bone and supporting tissues of the mouth. These X-rays allow dentists to:
Find cavities
Look at the tooth roots
Check the health of the bony area around the tooth
Help diagnose periodontal disease
See the status of developing teeth



Why Dental X-Rays Are Performed

Dental X-rays are typically performed through portable dental x rays machine yearly, or more often if your dentist is tracking the progress of a dental problem or treatment.
Factors affecting how often you get dental X-rays may include:

• your age - Children and teens who have a history of many cavities may need X-rays every six months or every year, depending on age. So may those who have a high risk of decay for other reasons. X-rays also help to keep track of tooth development.
  
• your current oral health - People with many fillings, crowns, bridges or other restorations.  — X-rays help the dentist find decay beneath your fillings and crowns or in new places.
• any symptoms of oral disease -  People with dry mouth or periodontal (gum) disease - Saliva helps keep your mouth and teeth healthy by regulating the acid levels (pH) in the mouth.   X-rays can reveal signs of bone loss. If this has happened, then you may need periodontal (gum) surgery.
• Smokers — Smoking increases the risk of bone loss around the teeth and periodontal disease.

Are Dental X-Rays Dangerous? 

Dental x-rays are safe. Any kind of x-ray requires radiation, but with dental x-rays, the amount of radiation is very small. And today’s modern digital x-rays require much less radiation for exposure than traditional film x-rays do.
Here’s what CNN says about dental x-rays: “Four bitewing x-rays, which is what many people get in a routine exam, give about .005 millisieverts of radiation, according to the American College of Radiology. That's about the same amount of radiation you get in a normal day from the sun and other sources.”

After Dental X-Rays

When the images are ready — instantly in the case of digital X-rays — your dentist will review them and check for abnormalities. If a dental hygienist is cleaning your teeth, the dentist may go over the results of the X-rays with you after your cleaning is done. The exception is if the hygienist discovers any significant problems during the X-rays.
If your dentist finds problems, such as cavities or tooth decay, they’ll discuss your treatment options. If your dentist finds no problems, keep up the good work!


Source:  http://www.oyodental.com/blog/2017/10/31/the-necessity-and-benefits-of-x-rays/

What you Should Know About Root Canal？

What is a Root Canal ? 

A root canal is a treatment to repair and save a badlydamaged or infected tooth. The procedure involves removing the damaged area ofthe tooth (the pulp), cleaning and disinfecting it and then filling and sealingit. 

1. What causes a root canal?

Decay - This is the main reasonpatients need root canals. If a cavity becomes large enough, it can enter yourpulp chamber or nerve. If bacteria enters this chamber, it causes pain, andsometimes, an infection.

As a result, a root canal is needed to save your toothand reduce pain.

Trauma - If your tooth cracks orbreaks, there’s a good chance you’ll need a root canal — trauma to your toothcan also expose your pulp chamber, damage your nerve and cause pain.

Again, the nerve will need to be removed to salvageyour tooth.

Additionally, you can have a root canal performed onany tooth with a nerve —meaning front and back teeth alike.

2. How do you know if you need a root canal?

If you remember anything from this post, pleaseremember this: if you’re experiencing tooth pain, pay a visit toyour dentist immediately.

The following symptoms indicate a rootcanal treatment equipment is needed:

• Severe toothache pain from chewing.

• Your tooth hurts longer than it should after exposure to hot or cold temperatures.

• Darkening or discoloration of the tooth.

• Swollen and tender gums surrounding a tooth, or a “rotten” taste in your mouth.

• Dental abscess.      

• If you think you need a root canal, consult your dentist.There are a number of steps that occur over a few office visits.

3. What to expect during a ROOT CANAL?

       X-ray – if a dentist suspects you may need a root canal, he will first take X-rays or examine existing X-rays to show where the decay is located. For example, a portable dental x rays machine 
       
       Anesthesia – local anesthesia is administered to the affected tooth. Contrary to popular belief, a root canal is no more painful than a filling.

       Pulpectomy – an opening is made and the diseased tooth pulp is removed.

       Filling – the roots that have been opened (to get rid of the disease pulp) are filled with gutta-percha material and sealed off with cement.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           

4. What happens during the root canal procedure?

During a rootcanal procedure, the infected nerve and pulp are removed. Then, the tooth’sinterior is cleaned and sealed. A crown is placed on top of the affected toothto ensure it maintains its proper function — i.e., chewing. Although sometimesmisconceived to be severely painful, patients report the root canal procedureis the same, if not less painful than filling a cavity.

5. Tips for Care After a ROOT CANAL

A treated andrestored tooth can last a lifetime with proper care. Root canals have a highsuccess rate. Besides, Taking good care of your teeth and gums is a must aftera root canal.  Here are a few ways to take care of your teeth after a rootcanal:

Practice good oral hygiene – brush teeth twice a day, andfloss at least once. Taking care of your teeth can help prevent futureproblems.

Visit the dentist regularly – cleanings and examinationsby dentists and hygienists.

Avoid chewing onhard foods – chewing on hard foods such as ice can cause teeth to break, andcan harm root canals

If you insist doing the following things, we believe that a tooth treated with a root canalcan stay healthy for the rest of your life  with care and attention.
  
Source:  https://www.oyodental.com/What-you-Should-Know-About-Root-Canal