When you think of dental X-rays, you probably imagine a dentist near Central Harlem looking for cavities or checking the alignment of your teeth. While these are important aspects of our dental checkups at Morningside Dental Care, X-rays can reveal a lot more. Check out the surprising conditions that X-rays help us detect and how we can use this simple but powerful tool in your care.
1. Cavities Between Teeth
You know how the space between your couch cushions is a void that everything falls into, making it feel like it’s impossible to clean? The spaces between your teeth are a lot like that, capable of hiding all kinds of surprises. In fact, both are prone to hiding food crumbs.
That’s why our dentist near Central Harlem relies on X-rays to see into spots between your teeth. Rather than letting those areas be a void where bits of food get stuck until they eat away at your enamel, we can catch early cavities and treat them.
2. Sinus Infections
Tooth pain is often mistaken for a sinus infection and vice versa. Fortunately, our central Harlem dentist can see which is which using dental X-rays. The proximity of the maxillary sinuses to your upper jaw means that an infection in your sinuses can sometimes be seen in an X-ray. If you’ve been experiencing sinus issues alongside dental pain, an X-ray can help identify the root cause.
3. Bone Loss
Gum disease can lead to bone loss. X-rays are essential for detecting the early stages that aren’t visible during a regular dental exam. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 42% of adults over 30 have some form of periodontal disease, making regular X-rays a crucial tool for maintaining oral health.
4. TMJ Issues
Our dentist near Central Harlem doesn’t just treat your teeth but your whole mouth. That includes your temporomandibular joint (TMJ). Did you know we can sometimes see the damage done by TMJ disorder on your dental X-rays? The team at Morningside Dental Care can help diagnose causes of TMJ pain, like arthritis, guiding our treatment efforts.
5. Impacted Teeth
Impacted teeth, particularly wisdom teeth, occur when an adult tooth doesn’t come in right. It could be stuck, emerging at any angle, or even headed sideways toward your other teeth. Our dentist in Central Harlem can get an idea of an impacted tooth’s path using dental X-rays. The scans can also help us plan a tooth extraction to remove the troublemaker.
6. Cysts
These buildups of fluid can develop in the jawbone or around tooth roots and often go unnoticed until they cause significant problems. Dental X-rays can detect these cysts early, allowing for timely treatment. Left untreated, cysts can lead to jaw fractures, tooth displacement, and other serious complications, so don’t put off your regular checkups and dental X-rays from our dentist near Central Harlem.
Don’t Be in the Dark on Your Oral Health
Regular dental X-rays performed safely are essential for maintaining not only your oral health but your overall well-being. At Morningside Dental Care, our dentist near Central Harlem uses the latest, safest technology to ensure we catch any potential issues early. Schedule your appointment today to keep your smile healthy and radiant.
