Bones are an essential part of our skeletal system, providing support and structure for the rest of the body. Once you hit about age 30, however, the bones in your mouth begin to lose density at an average rate of 0.1% per year, which can lead to tooth loss and gum disease .
Fortunately, this type of bone loss can be detected with a specialized x-ray called a bone loss teeth x-ray, and your dentist can use these images to diagnose any changes to your oral health early on in order to prevent serious issues like tooth loss or oral cancer down the road.
Can a Bone Loss Teeth X-Ray Diagnose Gum Disease?
Yes, x-rays can help show severe bone loss in teeth, which is a sign of periodontal disease. When caught early, this serious form of gum disease can be treated and managed.
That's why Reveal Diagnostics offers convenient imaging centers across the Bay Area that can take the necessary x-rays to help diagnose periodontal disease. With early diagnosis, you can protect your smile for years to come.
Periodontal disease often causes tooth loosening or even complete tooth loss due to inflammation or recession of gums.
Bone Loss Teeth X-rays In Periodontal Evaluation and Diagnosis
Many people don't realize that severe bone loss in teeth can be a sign of periodontal disease. By utilizing x-rays, the dentist can spot bone loss and refer you to a periodontist.
In the early stages of periodontal disease, x-rays may not show any damage. However, as the disease progresses, x-rays can reveal significant bone loss. If you're concerned about gum disease, be sure to ask your dentist about getting a bone loss teeth x-ray.
How Are Bone Loss Teeth X-Rays Used in Periodontal Treatment?
A full mouth series of x-rays, also called panoramic radiographs, is taken every 3-5 years as part of a periodontal treatment. The x-rays allow your dentist or periodontist to see the jawbone beneath your gums and check for any signs of bone loss evolution.
Early diagnosis and treatment of periodontal disease is important to prevent the progression of the disease, which can lead to tooth loss. Those x-rays will also help your periodontist to decide how to go about correcting your gum disease.
Your periodontist can see which teeth need gum surgery to correct bone loss and which teeth will need to be pulled. With X-rays, a periodontist can know if you have enough bone in your jaw to hold an implant to replace your missing teeth.
How Can I Know if My Dentist Is Properly Evaluating Bone Loss?
Once you've had periodontal treatment, the key to continued gum health is to perform periodontal maintenance. If periodontal disease isn't cured or has worsened, a X-ray may help show the stage of the disease.
When using initial x-rays as a baseline, your periodontist can monitor subtle bone changes by taking annual x-rays with updated x-rays every 3-5 years.
Every year, your periodontist or dentist can annually check your bone level by taking vertical bitewing x-rays. With vertical bitewings, you get views of both cavities and details of the tissues of the gum.
Why Choose Reveal Imaging Centers for Bone Loss Teeth X-Rays?
Reveal Diagnostics imaging centers use the latest technology to provide high-quality x-rays that can help detect bone loss in teeth. Contact us today to schedule an appointment!