Digital Dental X-Rays
Dental x-rays are an essential, diagnostic tool that is used to detect valuable information not visible during a regular dental examination. Dentists and dental hygienists use x-rays to accurately detect dental abnormalities and complete an accurate treatment plan. Without x-rays, problem areas may go undetected.
PROBLEMS DIAGNOSED FROM DENTAL X- RAYS:
Decay between the teeth
Problems inside a tooth or below the gum line
Abscesses or cysts
Developmental abnormalities
Poor tooth and root positions
Bone loss
Cancerous and non-cancerous tumors
Detecting and treating dental problems at an early stage can save you time, money, unnecessary discomfort, and your teeth.
DIGITAL DENTAL X-RAY SAFETY
We are all exposed to natural radiation in our environment. The amount of radiation we are exposed to from a full mouth set of x-rays, is equal to the amount of natural radiation we are exposed to in a single day. With digital radiography our radiation exposure is even less.
Dental x-rays are considered safe due to the low level of radiation. We take the necessary precautions to limit the amount of radiation that you as our patients are exposed to from dental x-rays. The precautions that are used in our office include using a lead apron to protect the internal organs, and using x-ray film with the fastest speed, which cuts down on the exposure time.
Frequency of x-rays
The need for dental x-rays depends on the individual patient needs, taking in to consideration our patients medical and dental health history. We do recommend taking a full mouth set of x-rays on adults once every three to five years, unless we see a significant change in their oral health. Bitewing x-rays are taken once every other year on adults and once a year on children.