Adult issues detected by x-rays

• A. areas of decay, damages in fillings, possible dental/periodontal disease, infection or nerve death, place or plan bone for implants
• B. only detect cavities between teeth
• C. cannot detect nerve death
• D. detect only bone density

Answer: (A)

X-ray imaging in adults provides a comprehensive view of teeth and supporting bone, allowing detection of multiple issues beyond what you can see with a mirror. It can reveal decay that’s hidden under fillings or at restoration margins, deterioration or defects in restorations themselves, and signs of periodontal disease such as bone loss around teeth. It also shows pathology at the tooth apex, indicating infection or changes consistent with pulp death, which helps guide treatment. For implant planning, radiographs assess the amount and quality of surrounding bone to determine if there is enough support for placement.

This is broader than just detecting cavities between teeth, which is why saying radiographs only show interproximal decay is inaccurate. They don’t detect bone density in isolation, but rather reveal a range of findings about teeth, restorations, bone levels, and pathology. And while they don’t measure nerve vitality directly, they can illustrate changes related to pulpal or periapical health, which is why radiographs are a key part of diagnosing adult dental issues.