Dental X-Rays: Key to Early Detection
Dental radiographs (X-rays) are crucial, preventative diagnostic tools that offer valuable insights not visible during a routine dental exam. Dentists and dental hygienists rely on X-rays to safely and accurately identify hidden dental issues, helping to create a precise treatment plan. Without X-rays, potential problems may remain undetected.
What Dental X-Rays Can Reveal
- Abscesses or cysts
- Bone loss
- Tumors (both cancerous and non-cancerous)
- Decay between the teeth
- Developmental abnormalities
- Misaligned teeth or root positions
- Problems within a tooth or beneath the gum line
Detecting and addressing dental problems early can save you time, money, and unnecessary discomfort while helping to preserve your teeth!
Are Dental X-Rays Safe?
Dental X-rays are generally considered safe, as they involve a low level of radiation. Everyone is naturally exposed to some radiation from the environment, and the radiation from a full mouth series of dental X-rays is equivalent to the amount of natural radiation a person receives in just one day.
To ensure patient safety, dentists take necessary precautions to minimize radiation exposure. These include using lead apron shields to protect the body and employing modern, fast film technology that reduces the time needed for each X-ray, further lowering the radiation exposure.
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 and dental hygienist will recommend X-rays based on factors such as your medical and dental history, current dental exam, any signs or symptoms, age, and risk for disease.
For new patients, a full mouth series of X-rays is typically recommended, which is usually valid for three to five years. Bite-wing X-rays, which capture the top and bottom teeth biting together, are typically taken during routine check-up visits and are recommended once or twice a year to help detect any new dental issues.