Dental X-Rays
Dental X-Rays
One essential, preventative diagnostic tool that provides valuable insights not visible during a regular dental exam are dental radiographs (x-rays). The information gathered by the x-rays is used by dental hygienists and dentist to detect any dental abnormalities and complete the best treatment plan.
Dental x-rays may reveal:
- Bone loss.
- Cysts or abscesses.
- Decay between the teeth.
- Cancerous and non-cancerous tumors
- Poor root and tooth positions.
- Problems below the gum line or inside a tooth.
- Developmental abnormalities.
Dental x-rays help you save time, money, unnecessary discomfort, and your teeth and detecting a treating dental problems early!
Are dental x-rays safe?
Our environment exposes all of us to natural radiation. The amount of radiation exposure a person receives in a single day from natural sources is the same amount as one receives from a full mouth series of x-rays.
Dental x-rays are considered safe since they produce a low level of radiation. To further ensure your safety, dentists take necessary precautions to limit the patient’s exposure to radiation when taking dental x-rays. This includes utilizing lead apron shields to protect the body as well as using the latest from Dexis in digital x-ray technology. This enables the dental hygienist and/or dentist to get an x-ray with a lot less radiation that the traditional film. Furthermore, the radiograph is available for reading on a computer screen instantly.
How often should dental x-rays be taken?
Dental x-rays are taken depending on the individual dental health needs of each patient. Your dentist and dental hygienist may recommend x-rays after reviewing your medical and dental history, signs and symptoms, age consideration, risk for disease, and your dental exam.
All new patients are recommended to undergo a full mouth series of dental x-rays, which is usually good for three to five years. It’s recommended to get x-rays of top and bottom teeth biting together (bite-wing x-rays) once or twice a year during dental checkups (recall visits) in order to detect any new dental problems.
