Have you ever wondered what our dentists in Greenpoint, Brooklyn, see when peering at your dental X-rays? While the images might look like abstract art to most, they hold a treasure trove of information about your oral health. Below, North Brooklyn Dental Care decodes common X-Ray findings. By the end, you’ll have a better understanding of what we’re looking for and why we suggest treatment.
Cavities & Decay
Cavities appear as dark spots on dental X-rays, indicating where tooth enamel has been eroded. These sneaky dark spots can lead to more serious dental problems if left untreated. Early detection allows for prompt treatment and saves the tooth.
Treatment options may include fluoride treatments for minor decay, dental fillings for more significant cavities, or tooth crowns for severely compromised teeth.
Bone Loss
Bone loss is a sign of advanced gum disease or a consequence of losing a tooth. On an X-ray, bone loss looks like a reduction in the height of the bone surrounding the teeth. Our dentist in Greenpoint, Brooklyn, can address this issue early to prevent further loss of bone density.
If the bone loss was caused by gum disease, we can use scaling and root planing to remove plaque and tartar buildup. If we’re concerned about you losing more bone from a lost tooth, we can discuss dental implants.
Impacted Teeth
Impacted teeth, often wisdom teeth, are ones that have not erupted properly and remain trapped in the jawbone. X-rays can clearly show the position of impacted teeth, allowing for appropriate treatment planning.
We’ll monitor the teeth to see if they are causing any issues like pain, infection, or dental misalignment. If our Greenpoint dentist in Brooklyn decides impacted teeth will harm your smile, we can perform a gentle tooth extraction.
Oral Infections
Oral infections like abscesses appear as dark areas at the root of a tooth on an X-ray. These infections can cause pain and swelling and require prompt treatment at North Brooklyn Dental Care to prevent their spread.
We can employ a combination of antibiotics to combat the underlying infection and possible drainage of the abscess to relieve pressure and pain. In more severe cases, our dentist in Greenpoint in Brooklyn may need to extract the affected tooth to fully address the infection and prevent complications.
TMJ Disorders
Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders can cause pain and dysfunction in the jaw joint. We can use a special type of X-ray called cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) to assess the condition of your TMJ. CBCT scans provide 3D images of your jaw, all in a shorter amount of time and with less radiation than a CT scan.
Once you’re diagnosed with TMD, our dentist in Greenpoint, Brooklyn, can provide a personalized treatment plan that includes physical therapy or night guards to reduce jaw strain. We also offer injectables to help relax your jaw muscles.
Let Us Shine a Light on Your Oral Health with X-Rays
Now that you know the tricks of the trade, reach out to North Brooklyn Dental Care to get your checkup and X-rays. Our dentist in the Greenpoint area of Brooklyn can catch issues early, treat problems promptly, and monitor your ongoing oral health when you make us your dental home. Schedule today!
