Dental X-Rays
Dental radiographs (X-rays) are essential preventive and diagnostic tools used by dentists and dental hygienists to detect hidden dental issues that cannot be seen during a regular dental exam. They provide valuable insights for developing accurate treatment plans, ensuring dental problems are addressed early.
What Dental X-Rays Can Reveal
X-rays help uncover a variety of dental issues, including:
Abscesses or cysts
Bone loss
Cancerous and non-cancerous tumors
Tooth decay between teeth
Developmental abnormalities
Poor tooth and root positioning
Problems inside a tooth or below the gumline
Detecting these issues early through X-rays can save you time, money, discomfort, and help preserve your teeth.
Are Dental X-Rays Safe?
Yes, dental X-rays are considered safe. While we are all exposed to natural background radiation daily, the amount of radiation from a full-mouth series of X-rays is equivalent to what you receive in a single day from natural environmental sources.
Precautions to minimize radiation exposure include:
Lead apron shields: These protect the body during X-rays.
Modern, fast film or digital X-rays: These reduce exposure time, minimizing the amount of radiation used.
How Often Should Dental X-Rays Be Taken?
The frequency of dental X-rays depends on each patient's unique dental health needs. Your dentist will recommend X-rays based on factors like:
Medical and dental history
Current dental exam results
Symptoms or signs of dental problems
Age and risk factors for dental disease
X-ray types and frequency:
Full-mouth series: Recommended for new patients and typically repeated every 3 to 5 years.
Bite-wing X-rays: These images, taken at recall visits, capture the upper and lower teeth biting together. They are usually recommended once or twice a year to check for new dental issues.
By using dental X-rays as part of your routine dental care, your dentist can detect and address potential problems early, ensuring better oral health and preventing more extensive dental issues.
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