Dental X-Rays
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Dental radiographs (x-rays) serve as indispensable, preventative, and diagnostic tools, offering critical information that is not visible during a routine dental examination. Dentists and dental hygienists rely on this information to detect hidden dental abnormalities safely and accurately, enabling them to devise precise treatment plans. Without x-rays, potential problem areas may remain undetected, jeopardizing timely intervention and treatment.
Dental x-rays may reveal
Identifying and treating dental issues early can save you time, money, discomfort, and help maintain the health of your teeth!
- 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.
Are dental x-rays safe?
We are all naturally exposed to radiation in our environment. The radiation exposure from a full mouth series of x-rays is comparable to the amount a person receives 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 to radiation during x-ray procedures. These precautions include the use of lead apron shields to safeguard the body and employing modern, fast film to reduce the exposure time of each x-ray.
How often should dental x-rays be taken?
The necessity for dental x-rays varies depending on each patient’s unique dental health requirements. Your dentist and dental hygienist will suggest necessary x-rays after reviewing your medical and dental history, conducting a dental exam, assessing signs and symptoms, considering your age, and evaluating your risk for disease.
For new patients, a full mouth series of dental x-rays is typically recommended. This comprehensive series is generally sufficient for three to five years. Bite-wing x-rays, which capture images of the top and bottom teeth biting together, are taken during recall (check-up) visits and are advised once or twice a year to detect any new dental issues.