Why Do I Need X-Rays Every Year?

During your checkup, we often take a few "bitewing" X-rays. While your dentist has a trained eye, there are many things that simply cannot be seen during a visual exam. X-rays allow us to look inside and between your teeth to catch problems before they cause pain or visible damage.

X-rays are the only way to see cavities forming between the teeth where they touch. They also allow us to check the health of the bone supporting your teeth, look for infections at the tips of the roots, and monitor the progress of wisdom teeth. Catching a tiny cavity on an X-ray today means a simple filling, whereas waiting until you can "see" it might mean a root canal or crown later.

Modern digital X-rays are incredibly safe and use a very low amount of radiation—actually less than you would get from a short airplane flight or a day in the sun! The benefits of catching a hidden infection or bone loss far outweigh the minimal exposure.

We don’t take X-rays just for the sake of it; we use them as a roadmap to ensure we are giving you the most accurate diagnosis possible. They are an essential tool for preventing surprises and keeping your dental costs down over time.

At Petras Family Dental in Amherstburg, we use the latest digital X-ray technology to ensure your safety and provide the most thorough exams possible. We’ll always show you your images and explain exactly what we see. Contact us at 519-713-8985 or visit petrasfamilydental.com/book to book your appointment.