Improve Your Oral Health With Advanced Dental X-Rays
Some oral health issues aren’t visible during a regular exam and can develop quietly beneath the surface. If left undetected, these small problems can grow into serious and costly complications that affect your overall health. That’s why The Foleck Center at Hampton Kecoughtan uses advanced dental X-rays to safely and painlessly see what’s happening inside your mouth. This technology helps us catch issues early and protect your long-term wellness.
Dental X-Rays Explained
Dental X-rays (or radiographs) are vital diagnostic tools that help Dr. Foleck and his team see beyond what’s visible during a standard dental exam. These detailed images reveal the inner structure of your teeth, gums, and jaw, allowing them to detect hidden problems early. Those problems may include tooth decay, infections, bone loss, cysts, and even tumors. By spotting these in their beginning stages, we can provide faster, more effective treatment to protect both your oral and overall health.
There are several types of dental X-rays, each designed to capture specific areas of the mouth with clear, detailed images. Dr. Foleck may recommend bitewing X-rays to detect cavities between teeth, periapical X-rays to examine the roots and surrounding bone of individual teeth, or panoramic X-rays to view all of your upper and lower teeth in a single, sweeping image. Depending on your unique dental needs, other imaging options may also be used to provide a full picture of your oral health.
Why Are Dental X-Rays Important?
Dental X-rays are essential for identifying problems that may not be visible during a routine exam. That’s why Dr. Foleck, in line with American Dental Association guidelines, recommends routine dental X-rays as part of your preventive care plan.
By customizing X-ray use to your specific oral health needs, Dr. Foleck and his team at Hampton Kecoughtan are able to:
- Detect oral diseases early, when they are easiest to treat and manage effectively.
- Create and adjust personalized treatment plans to ensure the best possible oral health outcomes.
- Track changes in your oral health over time to catch any issues and maintain long-term wellness.
- Assess the condition of your gums and detect changes in the bone that supports your teeth.
- Plan the ideal placement for implants, braces, dentures, and other treatments before they begin.
What to Expect When Getting Dental X-Rays at The Foleck Center
We use advanced digital dental X-rays at our Hampton Kecoughtan office to give you fast, clear images with much less radiation than traditional film. Our team also provides lead aprons and thyroid collars to protect sensitive areas.
For most dental X-rays, you’ll simply sit or stand while a technician places a small sensor inside of your mouth. The process is quick, comfortable, and over in just a few seconds. For panoramic X-rays, you’ll stand as a machine gently rotates around your head — no pain or discomfort involved. The entire process usually takes less than 10 minutes.
How Dental X-Rays Help Protect Your Long-Term Oral Health
Dental X-rays are one of the most important tools we can use to examine your teeth, gums, jawbone, and overall oral structure. Whether you’re a new patient or continuing care, digital X-rays allow us to catch issues before they become problematic, and often before you can feel their symptoms.
At The Foleck Center, X-rays help us:
- Detect cavities, gum disease, bone loss, and infections early.
- Monitor developing teeth and jaw growth.
- Plan for treatments like dental implants, braces, and restorations.
- Maintain accurate dental records for ongoing care.
Because we use digital radiography, radiation exposure is minimal, and results are available instantly.
Are Dental X-Rays Safe?
Yes. At The Foleck Center, your safety comes first. Our digital X-ray technology uses a fraction of the radiation used in traditional film X-rays. We also provide protective gear like lead aprons and thyroid collars for every patient.
The American Dental Association supports regular dental X-rays as part of preventive care. The amount of radiation involved is very small — similar to what you’d get from everyday background exposure. For pregnant patients, we take special precautions or may delay X-rays unless absolutely necessary.
Types of Dental X-Rays We Use
Each type of X-ray gives us a different view of your oral health. Here are the most common ones we use:
- Bitewing X-rays to detect cavities between teeth, and to check existing fillings.
- Periapical X-rays to show the full tooth from crown to root, including surrounding bone.
- Panoramic X-rays to provide a full view of the mouth, jaw, and soft tissues in one image.
- Occlusal X-rays to focus on the upper or lower jaw to evaluate tooth and jaw development.
- Cephalometric and Extraoral X-rays to assess jaw alignment and bite for orthodontic planning.
Each of these tools us to make accurate diagnoses and build personalized treatment plans.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I get dental X-rays?
For patients with healthy teeth and gums, bitewing X-rays are typically recommended every 12 to 36 months to check for new cavities. Panoramic and other types of X-rays are usually taken every three to five (3-5) years, unless your dentist recommends otherwise. If you’re at higher risk for dental issues like decay, bone loss, or gum disease, then you may need X-rays more frequently to closely monitor those areas.
Are there potential side effects with getting dental X-rays?
Dental X-rays have little to no side effects. Radiation exposure is extremely low due to strict safety standards, fast digital imaging, and protective shielding. In some cases, you may experience mild sensitivity to hot or cold right after the X-rays. If that happens, let your dentist know so that they can address it promptly.
Do I get copies of my X-rays?
Yes, you’re entitled to copies of your clinical records, including dental X-rays from your visits. We just ask for a little time to process your request and complete the necessary medical release forms.
Advanced Dental X-Rays Are Your First Line of Defense
Your smile deserves long-term care — and that starts with early detection. At The Foleck Center in Hampton Kecoughtan, Dr. Adam Foleck uses advanced digital dental X-rays to uncover hidden issues like decay, infection, and bone loss before they become serious issues. Catching problems early means easier, more effective treatment and better overall health.
Take the first step toward a healthier future by scheduling your next appointment online or by calling us directly at 800-800-8000.
