9521 US Hwy 290 W,
Suite 103
Austin, TX 78737
Austin, TX 78737
Dental x-rays are a vital diagnostic tool used to properly identify any underlying conditions that may not yet be visible on the surface. At our dental office in Austin, we perform dental x-rays only as often as necessary, which can vary from patient to patient depending on their oral needs and health history. We also understand our patients may have questions regarding dental x-rays, and we’d like to answer them so you can make the best informed decisions about your health.
Dental x-rays, or radiographs, are usually separated into two categories — intraoral and extraoral. Intraoral x-rays mainly focus on the details of the teeth themselves. While extraoral x-rays still showcase the teeth, the aim of these photos is to look at the bigger picture of the teeth within the jaw and skull.
We already know that intraoral x-rays focus on teeth. They’re also the most common types of x-rays and can help:
Bitewing x-rays are the most frequently used intraoral x-rays. They allow your dentist in Austin to see cavities in between teeth that aren’t yet visible on the surface. The images produced from bitewing x-rays also help keep an eye on the wear and tear of any dental restorations, such as a filling or an implant.
Extraoral x-rays are less detailed than intraoral images, but still serve a helpful purpose when it comes to looking at:
The most common extraoral x-rays are panoramic x-rays. These images show the entire set of teeth as well the jaws in one photo. Panoramic x-rays are great when looking at tooth development or wisdom teeth eruption and can help identify problems with the jaw (TMJ).
We recommend visiting our Austin dental office at least every six months. We may not perform x-rays at every appointment unless it’s necessary, but visits twice a year are recommended so we’re able to catch problems early, making them easier, and often less costly to treat.
“Always a pleasure visiting this team of amazing people. Not only do they do an excellent job of taking care of me, they remember details of my life that I would not expect them to. That’s a really great personal touch. This is not your average dentists office. This is a 5 Star dentists office.”
“I called in the morning, said I had pain and needed to see someone. They worked me in that afternoon and I left with a solution. Now that is service!”
“Always excellent, pain-free, state-of-the-art care at Broberg Family Dental.”
“Wonderful family dentistry. Everyone is so kind and helpful. I would recommend them to anyone. My youngest no longer has anxiety going to the dentist. Five stars all the way!”