Dental X-Rays

Dental X-Rays for Accurate Diagnosis and Preventive Care

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.