Why are dental x-ray exams needed?

X-ray images, called radiographs, help the dentist diagnose conditions that cannot be otherwise seen just by visual evaluation. These conditions may include, but not limited to, tooth decay/cavities, gum disease/bone loss, abscesses/infections, cysts, and tumors. Not diagnosing them early could result in more pain and discomfort, more expensive treatment, losing teeth that might otherwise be saved, and not detecting growths until they are very large.