X-Rays

It is recommended that you have a set of routine x-ray pictures every year.

Cavities and gum disease can be painless and thus go unnoticed by the patient for quite a long time. Small cavities between teeth or under existing fillings cannot be detected by the dentist using only a mirror and probe. Similarly, damage to the bone supporting the teeth cannot be detected clinically until it is more advanced. Dental radiographs will give the dentist a view of the “hidden” areas to check that they are healthy.

Even with radiographs some very small problems may go undetected at a particular check-up.

Repeating the radiographs at regular intervals and comparing the old and new sets can increase diagnostic accuracy.