Our teeth go much further down than we see. While we can open wide and see the tops of each and every tooth, the roots of our teeth are invisible to the naked eye. These roots can only be inspected with the help of an x-ray. While we may see healthy-looking teeth on the outside, it’s equally important for your dentist to be able to examine the root to check for any decay or other problems. 

The x-ray isn’t just for looking at the roots of teeth, but for inspecting the entire jaw. The x-ray can show everything from the teeth to the jawbone, and the soft tissue around the jawbone. This helps to resolve issues with alignment, tense jaws, or detect problems like disease in the jaw. With the use of the x-ray, dentists are able to provide comprehensive oral care.