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Why Dental X-Rays Are Key to Preventive Oral Health Care

You brush, you floss, you see your hygienist regularly – so why are dental X-rays necessary? It’s a common question! While visual exams are crucial, X-rays (radiographs) provide essential information about the health of your teeth and jawbone that simply isn’t visible to the naked eye. At Practice 32 in Colorado Springs, our hygienists take necessary X-rays as part of your comprehensive preventive care.

What Can Dental X-Rays Reveal?

Dental X-rays allow dental professionals to see:

• Cavities Between Teeth: Decay often starts in the tight spaces between teeth where brushing and flossing might miss. X-rays are excellent at detecting these early cavities.
• Cavities Under Existing Fillings: Decay can sometimes develop underneath old fillings, which is often only visible on an X-ray.
• Bone Loss Associated with Gum Disease: Periodontitis causes bone destruction around the teeth. X-rays show the extent of bone loss, helping to diagnose and monitor gum disease severity.
• Infections/Abscesses: Infections at the root tip or in the jawbone often show up clearly on X-rays.
• Impacted Teeth: X-rays reveal teeth (like wisdom teeth) that are trapped below the gumline or growing in the wrong direction.
• Tumors, Cysts, or Other Abnormalities: Though less common, X-rays can help detect certain growths or developmental issues in the jawbone.

Types of X-Rays Taken by Your Hygienist

At Practice 32, your hygienist may take several types of digital X-rays, depending on your needs:

• Bitewings: Show the crowns of your upper and lower back teeth, primarily used to detect decay between teeth and early bone loss. Usually taken annually or biannually.
• Periapicals (PAs): Show the entire tooth, from crown to root tip and surrounding bone. Used to check for root infections, bone loss around specific teeth, or impacted teeth.
• Panoramic X-ray (Pano): Provides a wide view of your entire mouth – all teeth, upper and lower jaws, sinuses, and TMJ (jaw joint) – on a single image. Often taken less frequently, it’s useful for assessing wisdom teeth, jaw issues, or general screening.

We use digital X-rays, which significantly reduce radiation exposure compared to traditional film X-rays.

Hygienist vs. Dentist Roles with X-Rays

Your dental hygienist at Practice 32 is typically trained and certified to take dental X-rays safely and effectively. They perform initial observations on the images related to plaque, tartar, and general bone levels.

However, the official diagnosis of conditions seen on X-rays (like cavities requiring treatment, infections, cysts, severe bone loss requiring specialized treatment) is made by a dentist. If your hygienist observes potential issues on your X-rays that require diagnosis or treatment beyond preventive care, we will refer you to a trusted local dental practice or specialist, providing them with your images and our findings.

Essential for Comprehensive Care in Colorado Springs

Dental X-rays are a fundamental diagnostic tool in maintaining oral health. They allow for early detection and intervention, often preventing more complex and costly problems down the road. Trust the team at Practice 32 to take necessary X-rays as part of your complete preventive care plan.

Call Practice 32 at 719-427-4733 to schedule your next check-up and cleaning in Colorado Springs!

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Other Dental Services

• 
  Dental Services
  
• 
  Antimicrobial Therapy
  
• 
  Deep Scaling & Root Planing
  
• 
  Dental Examinations
  
• 
  Desensitizing Treatments
  
• 
  Diagnostic Imaging
  
• 
  Fluoride Treatments
  
• 
  Infant Oral Health Screenings
  
• 
  Periodontal Exams
  
• 
  Personalized Preventive Care
  
• 
  Preventive Sealants
  
• 
  Supportive Periodontal Therapy
  
• 
  Topical or Local Anesthesia
  
• 
  Teeth Whitening
  

Dental Services Provided For

• 
  Colorado Springs
  
• 
  Manitou Springs
  
• 
  Gleneagle
  
• 
  Briargate
  
• 
  Black Forest
  
• 
  Falcon
  
• 
  Northeast Colorado Springs
  
• 
  East Colorado Springs
  
• 
  Cimarron Hills
  
• 
  Stratmoor
  
• 
  Southeast Colorado Springs
  
• 
  Fort Carson
  
• 
  Fountain
  
• 
  Woodland Park
  
• 
  Green Mountain Falls
  
• 
  Cascade
  
• 
  Eastonville
  
• 
  Stratmoor
  
• 
  Carson
  
• 
  Fountain
  
• 
  Rock Creek Park
  
• 
  Monument
  
• 
  Palmer Lake
  
• 
  Knob Hill
  
• 
  Northgate
  
• 
  Gleneagle
  
• 
  Woodmoor
  
• 
  Cascade-Chipita Park
  
• 
  & More!
  

Check out our Glowing Reviews!

★★★★★ 5/5


Lisa.★★★★★
I highly recommend Practice 32. Olivia is very knowledgeable. She has state of the art equipment and takes the time to explain what she is doing, explains how to properly floss and how to take the best care of your teeth. Very different from any other teeth cleaning I’ve ever experienced! Definitely check out Practice 32!


Jerome★★★★★
When I went to Practice 32, I found Olivia to be very professional and friendly. The office was immaculate, beautifully decorated and calming. Olivia spent more time than any other dental hygienist I had been to explaining her process and how to better care for my teeth…


Joe★★★★★
Not only are my teeth super clean, I learned so much in how to properly clean my teeth. Trust me, I thought I knew what I was doing but Olivia showed me the way!! If you want great care and knowledge, go see Olivia. Wouldn’t go anywhere else!!


Michelle★★★★★
This was the most pleasant and relaxing dental cleaning that I’ve ever had. Olivia was patient and kind, and explained the process and the equipment. I found it both interesting and informative! I appreciate that she was also able to take X-rays, which can be sent to my new dentist. Olivia will be my hygienist from here on out. Thank you!


Rose★★★★★
Olivia is a wonderful! This is the first time I’ve used the guided biofilm therapy, and my teeth felt so much cleaner than a traditional cleaning. Highly recommend!

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