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Preventive care

Dental x-rays and imaging in Saratoga Springs

Some of the most useful clues about your teeth are hidden below the surface. X-rays let your dentist see roots, bone and the tight spots between teeth, so nothing important gets missed.

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Why does my dentist take x-rays?

X-rays show the parts of your mouth that stay hidden during a visual exam. They can reveal decay between teeth, infection at the tip of a root, bone loss and teeth that have not come in yet. That helps your dentist plan care with fewer surprises.

  • Bitewing x-rays are often taken about once a year
  • A full set is usually taken every few years
  • Each set takes only a few minutes

When x-rays are helpful

X-rays are not taken at every visit. Your dentist decides based on your age, your history and what is going on in your mouth. They are often used to:

  • Find cavities hiding between back teeth or under old fillings
  • See how healthy the bone around your teeth is
  • Look for infection or cysts near the roots
  • See how wisdom teeth are growing in, or whether they are stuck
  • Plan treatment like dental implants, root canals or extractions
  • Check for damage after a fall or a blow to the face
  • Follow how a child's adult teeth are coming in

If you are pregnant or think you might be, let us know before any x-rays. Your dentist will talk with you about timing and whether any images can wait.

What getting x-rays is like

  1. Get ready. You may be asked to take off earrings, glasses or anything else near your head and mouth.
  2. Stay covered. A protective apron may be placed over your chest and lap.
  3. Bite and hold. You bite gently on a small holder that sits inside your mouth. For some images, you stand or sit still while the machine moves around your head.
  4. A quick capture. Each picture takes a second or two. The full process usually takes a few minutes.
  5. Look together. Your dentist reviews the images and points out anything that needs attention. Ask questions. It is your mouth, and you can see what we see.

Types of images you may hear about

  • Bitewings show the crowns of your upper and lower back teeth together. They are good for spotting decay between teeth.
  • Periapicals show one or two whole teeth from top to root tip.
  • Full-mouth sets combine several images to show every tooth and the bone around it.

X-rays are often part of a comprehensive exam for new patients.

Cost and insurance

Your cost depends on the care you need and your dental plan. After your exam, we give you an estimate and go over what your insurance is likely to cover before any treatment starts. We work with most major dental plans and accept CareCredit.

See insurance and payment options

FAQ

Questions about dental imaging and x-rays

Are dental x-rays safe?
The dose from a dental x-ray is low. Your dentist only orders the images you need, and a protective apron may be used for extra caution.
Can I skip x-rays this year?
You can talk it over with your dentist. Without them, some problems may not be found until they are bigger. Your dentist will explain why a certain image is being suggested.
Do kids need x-rays?
Sometimes. Children's x-rays help check for cavities between baby teeth and show how adult teeth are developing. How often depends on your child's needs.
Will insurance cover my x-rays?
Many dental plans help pay for routine x-rays on a set schedule. The cost depends on the type of image and your plan. Our insurance page lists the plans we take, or you can call and ask.

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Our Saratoga Springs team will answer your questions and find a time that works for you.

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