X-rays
Usually a clinical exam alone is not sufficient to diagnose all potential problems because most issues are not visible to the naked eye. That is why x-rays are important in getting a more accurate look at what is really happening inside your mouth and below your teeth and gums. By using x-rays, your dentist can check for any bone loss and determine the severity of the gum disease. In addition to revealing any problems that were not visible during the clinical exam, initial x-rays will also give your dentist something to refer back to in future visits.