Dental X-Rays
Dental X-rays are crucial tools for prevention and diagnosis in dentistry. They provide valuable information that cannot be seen during a routine dental exam, allowing dentists and hygienists to detect hidden dental issues and create effective treatment plans. Without X-rays, potential problems may be missed.
Dental X-Rays Can Show:
- Abscesses or cysts.
- Bone loss.
- Cancerous and non-cancerous tumors.
- Decay between the teeth.
- Developmental abnormalities.
- Poor tooth and root positions.
- Problems inside a tooth or below the gum line
Identifying and addressing dental issues early on can help you save time, money, avoid unnecessary pain, and preserve your teeth!
Are X-Rays Safe for Dental Use?
We are all exposed to natural radiation in our environment. The radiation exposure from a full mouth series of X-rays is equivalent to the amount received in a single day from natural sources. Dental X-rays emit a low level of radiation and are deemed safe. Dentists take precautions to minimize patient exposure by using lead apron shields and modern, fast film to reduce exposure time for each X-ray.
How often should dental X-rays be done?
The necessity of dental X-rays is determined by each individual's dental health needs. Your dentist and dental hygienist will suggest the required x-rays after reviewing your medical and dental history, conducting a dental exam, assessing signs and symptoms, taking age into consideration, and evaluating the risk for disease.
A full mouth series of dental X-rays is typically advised for new patients and is generally valid for three to five years. Bite-wing X-rays (X-rays of the top and bottom teeth biting together) are taken during recall visits and are recommended once or twice a year to identify new dental issues.
