There are different types of x-rays used in dentistry depending on what your dentist is using the x-ray for [1]. But why are dental x-rays necessary? Here we review a few reasons why your dentist may suggest taking x-rays during your appointment.

To Determine Loss of Bone

If you have missing teeth and are considering dental implants as a replacement option, your dentist will need to make sure there is enough bone in your jaw to sustain the dental implant. People who have missing teeth are more likely to experience a loss of bone density in their jaw due to lack of stimulation from tooth roots.

Dental x-rays may even help reveal osteoporosis—a condition in which bone density is lost—as many people see their dentist more often than their doctor [2]. Low bone density could also cause symptoms such as loose teeth or loose dentures.

To Identify and Treat Dental Injuries

If you have an injury to your teeth or jaw, your dentist may suggest x-rays to evaluate the problem and to determine the severity of the issue.

Types of injuries your dentist can see on an x-ray include jaw and teeth injuries in addition to dental abscesses, which is a pocket of infection that forms at the tooth’s root when the nerve tissue inside the tooth has been affected by decay or injury [3].

Treating dental injuries in a timely manner, especially those that result in a dental abscess, is important and dental x-rays can be a useful diagnostic tool in this respect.

To Check for Tooth Decay

Your dentist can use specific types of x-rays, including bitewing x-rays, to evaluate your teeth for cavities that exist between the teeth. These types of cavities can be difficult to diagnose from an exam alone.

X-rays can also be useful in determining the extent of tooth decay so your dentist can know if a filling will be effective in treating the cavity or if more extensive treatment such as root canal therapy will be necessary.

To Create a Treatment Plan

By using x-rays as a supplemental tool to evaluate your oral health, your dentist can design a treatment plan specific to your smile. The use of x-rays allows your dentist to have a comprehensive view of your teeth and your oral health.

X-rays are also a particularly useful tool when it comes to evaluating the development of children’s teeth to determine if intervention such as an extraction or orthodontic treatment may be necessary [4].

While x-rays do expose patients to a low amount of radiation, dentists usually won’t recommend x-rays unless they’re necessary. Technology allows digital x-rays to use minimal radiation, meaning today’s x-rays are safer than ever before. Talk to your dentist about x-rays and their ability to help your smile!

Sources:
1. https://www.uofmhealth.org/health-library/hw211991
2. https://www.bones.nih.gov/health-info/bone/bone-health/oral-health/oral-health-and-bone-disease
3. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/dental-abscess/
4. https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/x/x-rays

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Dental implants also provide a sense of confidence and security, as people know that their smile is safe and they won’t have to worry about their tooth falling out or keeping a partial denture in.

For many people who are considering dental implants, they often wonder exactly how much these restorations can cost. Here’s your guide for determining an approximate amount for your dental implant procedure!

A Single Dental Implant

If you have just one tooth that needs to be replaced, the minimum you can expect to pay for a dental implant is typically around $1,500. The costs for dental implants are higher because you’ll need both a dentist and an oral surgeon to fully complete the procedure. A single dental implant could cost as little as $1,500 or as much as $6,000, depending on if you need a bone graft before the titanium post can be successfully placed in your jaw.

Two Dental Implants

If you’re looking to have a pair of dental implants, you can expect to pay a minimum of $3,000 and upwards of $10,000. You’ll likely need multiple visits to complete your restorations and the cost of materials combined with your procedure and care can cost more than many people realize.

Multiple Dental Implants

When you’re missing multiple teeth, dental implants can cost upwards of $30,000. In cases like these, it may be more cost efficient to get implant-supported dentures. Implant-supported dentures cost an average of $34,000 and allow you to only have a few dental implants (between four and six) where a denture will permanently attach onto.

Implant-supported dentures are a secure option for those that don’t want to pay so much to replace each tooth with a dental implant; they make a cost-effective and simpler option that’s just as secure!

Breaking Down the Costs

What constitutes the price of dental implants? Let’s break down the costs to see where these numbers are coming from.

– The cost of the materials for the dental implants themselves typically range from $1,500
to $2,000.
– The dental crown that affixes onto the end of your dental implant can cost between
$500 and $3,000
– This does not include your appointments for digital x-rays, any necessary bone grafts,
and the oral surgeon’s fees.

As you can see, there’s more to the price of dental implants than merely paying your dentist. Fortunately, certain dental insurance plans can help you cover some of the costs of dental implants so you’re not left paying this money out-of-pocket.

If you’re considering dental implants for your smile, schedule an appointment with your dentist today to see if you would qualify and what the specific cost would be. Dental implants can provide you with a sturdy smile that functions well for a lifetime!

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