Digital X-rays may Help Reveal:
- 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.
Detecting and treating dental problems at an early stage can save you time, money, and your teeth! Early detection translates into timely correction and treatment which is always a good idea.
Are Dental X-rays Safe?
We are all exposed to natural radiation in our environment. The amount of radiation exposure from a full mouth series of digital x-rays is equal to the amount a person receives in a single day from natural sources.
New Digital Dental x-rays produce a low level of radiation and are considered much safer compared to digital X-ray equipment that was used twenty years ago. We take necessary precautions to limit the patient’s exposure to radiation when taking dental x-rays. These precautions include using lead apron shields to protect the body and using modern, fast film that cuts down the exposure time of each x-ray.
How often should dental x-rays be taken?
The need for dental x-rays depends on each patient’s individual dental health needs. Your dentist and dental hygienist will recommend necessary x-rays based on the review of your medical and dental history, dental exam, signs and symptoms, age consideration, and risk for disease.
A full mouth series of dental x-rays is recommended for new patients. A full series is usually good for three to five years. Bite-wing x-rays (x-rays of top and bottom teeth biting together) are taken at recall (check-up) visits and are recommended once or twice a year to detect new dental problems.
We use quality Dental X-ray equipment that is considered safe and meets the standards required, the digital x ray equipment used at our office is safe, convenient and gives us the ability to view enhance and share the X-rays in a digital format.