“Can you see tooth decay on an X-ray?”
I am a 28 year old female. I want to know if you can see tooth decay on an X-ray?
7 Answers
Both X-rays and visual exam are used to diagnose cavities
Hi there,
Yes, you can diagnose tooth decay from a radiograph. In fact, generally, the way you diagnose interproximal decay (between teeth) is with an X-ray, specifically a bitewing X-ray. That coupled with clinical correlation will give you the most accurate diagnosis. However, many times we will not be able to physically see the decay clinically and that is why we rely on X-rays.
Hope this helps,
Dr. Bronk
Yes, you can diagnose tooth decay from a radiograph. In fact, generally, the way you diagnose interproximal decay (between teeth) is with an X-ray, specifically a bitewing X-ray. That coupled with clinical correlation will give you the most accurate diagnosis. However, many times we will not be able to physically see the decay clinically and that is why we rely on X-rays.
Hope this helps,
Dr. Bronk
Tooth decay can be diagnosed via an x-ray. Tooth decay is visible on the x-ray as a radiolucent (dark) area. However, sometimes it can be diagnosed clinically by a licensed dentist during oral exams using dental instruments.
Most of the time, it does appear on the X-rays. But in early or incipient decay, it may not show, but be visible to the eye.
Yes
Yes, we can see tooth decay on the X-ray. Ideally, the dentist will have to see clinically and radiographically to make a proper diagnosis about tooth decay. Sometimes a patient has a cavity and it's not very prominent on the X-ray. It depends, and sometimes X-rays show us some decay in the tooth and clinically you even cannot say that it's a cavity. So, a dentist will have to check clinically and radiographically both ways to make a decision if it has a cavity or not.
Yes, we use X-rays to help diagnose tooth decay, especially in between the teeth where we cannot visibly see.
