X-Rays
X-rays are essential! Without regular X-rays, your cavities and other problems may go unnoticed until it’s too late. X-rays help us detect decay, periodontal disease, fractures, infections, cysts, and even cancer. That’s why it’s so important to get an early diagnosis.
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What Are Dental X-Rays?
Today’s x-rays use minimal radiation and give us the immediate information we need to protect your smile. If you have questions or concerns or want to know more about your dental x-rays, just ask our team!
Using digital x-rays, we can immediately diagnose problems you may have, show them to you on a computer screen, and explain what is happening and why. We always want you to take an active role in your oral health, and being able to show you large, clear, digital pictures of your teeth makes it easy to educate you and treat your problems. X-rays are the single most important diagnostic tool dentists have to help combat the variety of oral pathologies people can develop.
X-Ray FAQs
The frequency of dental X-rays depends on individual factors such as age, oral health status, and risk factors for dental problems. As a general guideline, adults with good oral health typically require X-rays every 1 to 2 years. However, those with a history of dental issues, such as cavities or gum disease, may need them more frequently, perhaps every 6 to 12 months. Children and teenagers require X-rays more regularly as their mouths are still developing and may be at higher risk for dental problems. It’s important to consult with your dentist to determine the appropriate frequency of X-rays based on your specific dental health needs.
Dental X-rays provide valuable information to dentists that cannot be obtained through visual examination alone. They can reveal hidden dental issues such as cavities between teeth, infections or abscesses at the tooth roots, bone loss due to gum disease, impacted teeth, and abnormalities in tooth development. X-rays also aid in assessing the jawbone’s health, detecting cysts or tumors, and evaluating the placement of dental implants or orthodontic treatment. With this comprehensive view of your oral health, dentists can accurately diagnose problems and develop appropriate treatment plans to address any issues detected.
Yes, dental x-rays are considered safe when performed with proper precautions and equipment. The amount of radiation exposure from dental X-rays is very low, especially with modern digital X-ray technology, which further reduces radiation levels compared to traditional film X-rays. Thyroid collars and lead aprons are other tools dentists employ to protect their patients from needless radiation exposure.
The advantages of dental X-rays greatly outweigh the small dangers connected with radiation exposure in terms of diagnosis and oral health monitoring. Dentists follow guidelines from organizations such as the American Dental Association to ensure patient safety during x-ray procedures.