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Things We Look For When Looking at Your Dental X-rays

Posted on 7/15/2025 by Nancy Shiba DDS

A futuristic dental office showcasing an augmented reality interface with a hand interacting with digital dental tools.

Regular dental check-ups are an important part of maintaining good oral health. During these check-ups, your dentist will not only examine your teeth and gums but will also take dental X-rays. These X-rays are essential for detecting problems that may not be visible to the naked eye.

But what exactly are dentists looking for when they examine your X-rays? Here are some key things:

1. Cavities

One of the primary reasons dentists take X-rays is to look for cavities. Cavities are small holes in the teeth that can be caused by a buildup of plaque and bacteria. If left untreated, cavities can grow and cause pain, infection, and even tooth loss.

X-rays allow dentists to see cavities even when they are located between teeth or under fillings. This helps them diagnose and treat cavities early on, before they become more serious.

2. Gum Disease

Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is an infection of the gums that can damage the soft tissues and bones that support your teeth. In its early stages, gum disease may not cause any noticeable symptoms. However, X-rays can reveal the presence of gum disease even before you experience any pain or swelling.

By detecting gum disease early, dentists can recommend treatment options that can help prevent tooth loss.

3. Bone Loss

Bone loss is a common complication of gum disease. As the gums become inflamed and infected, they can start to pull away from the teeth, creating pockets that can trap bacteria. This bacteria can then attack the bone that supports your teeth, causing it to deteriorate.

X-rays are an effective way to measure the amount of bone loss that has occurred. This information is essential for planning treatment and monitoring the progression of gum disease.

4. Impacted Teeth

An impacted tooth is a tooth that has failed to erupt through the gums and into its proper position in the mouth. Impacted teeth can cause a variety of problems, including pain, infection, and crowding of other teeth.

X-rays are the best way to diagnose impacted teeth. They allow dentists to see the location of the impacted tooth and determine the best course of treatment.

5. Cysts and Tumors

Cysts and tumors are abnormal growths that can occur in the mouth. While most cysts and tumors are benign, some can be cancerous.

X-rays can help dentists identify cysts and tumors and determine whether they need to be removed.

Prevention Dentistry: The Best Way to Avoid Problems

While dental X-rays are an important tool for diagnosing dental problems, the best way to avoid these problems in the first place is through prevention dentistry. This includes brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing daily, and visiting your dentist for regular check-ups and cleanings.

By taking these steps, you can help keep your teeth and gums healthy and avoid the need for more extensive dental treatment in the future.

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Dental Blog • Nancy Shiba, DDS
Nancy Shiba, DDS, 125 N Jackson Ave, Suite 103, San Jose, CA 95116-1914 ^ (669) 306-7669 ^ nancyshibadds.com ^ 2/11/2026 ^ Page Keywords: dentist san jose ca ^