Beach View Dental Cosmetic Dentistry Blog

Dental X-rays are pictures of the teeth, bones, and soft tissues around them to help find problems with the teeth, mouth, and jaw. X-ray pictures can show cavities, hidden dental structures (such as wisdom teeth), and bone loss that cannot be seen during a visual examination. Dental X-rays may also be done as follow-up after dental treatments.
The following types of dental X-rays are commonly used. The X-rays use small amounts of radiation.
Bitewing X-rays show the upper and lower back teeth and how the teeth touch each other in a single view. These X-rays are used to check for decay between the teeth and to show how well the upper and lower teeth line up. They also show bone loss when severe gum disease or a dental infection is present.
Periapical X-rays show the entire tooth, from the exposed crown to the end of the root and the bones that support the tooth. These X-rays are used to find dental problems below the gum line or in the jaw, such as impacted teeth, abscesses, cysts, tumors, and bone changes linked to some diseases.
Occlusal X-rays show the roof or floor of the mouth and are used to find extra teeth, teeth that have not yet broken through the gums, jaw fractures, a cleft in the roof of the mouth (cleft palate), cysts, abscesses, or growths. Occlusal X-rays may also be used to find a foreign object.
Panoramic X-rays show a broad view of the jaws, teeth, sinuses, nasal area, and temporomandibular (jaw) joints. These X-rays do not find cavities. These X-rays do show problems such as impacted teeth, bone abnormalities, cysts, solid growths (tumors), infections, and fractures.
Digital X-ray is a new method being used in some dental offices. A small sensor unit sends pictures to a computer to be recorded and saved.
A full-mouth series of periapical X-rays (about 14 to 21 X-ray films) are most often done during a person's first visit to the dentist. Bitewing X-rays are used during checkups to look for tooth decay. Panoramic X-rays may be used occasionally. Dental X-rays are scheduled when you need them based on your age, risk for disease, and signs of disease. See http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/dental-x-rays

Recently we had a new patient come in for a checkup. She told us the story of what made her call. Seems she had the phone book out so she could call Home Depot. When she opened the book it fell open to our page, BEACHVIEW DENTAL. Not meaning to call, she realized that she needed to go to a dentist. So, she did. She said she was well pleased with our dental team. Now she believes it was fate that brought her to us.
Tell us your story.

The Team at Beach View Dental of Gulfport, MS, and the Academy of General Dentistry wants you to remember that just like your favorite pair of shoes, teeth can wear thin over time. It’s called tooth erosion and it can lead to small cracks and yellowing on the surface of your teeth. The main cause of tooth erosion is the acid found in many of your favorite foods and beverages. But you don’t have to walk away.

Call us for more about tooth erosion and what you can do to help your teeth from wearing.