Dental X-Rays, What you need to know from the Avon Dental Group
Dental radiographs, which are commonly called x-rays, are extremely essential, preventative, diagnostic tools that will provide very valuable information that is not visible during a regular dental exam. Dentists and dental hygienists will use this information to safely and accurately detect any type of hidden dental abnormalities and to come up with an accurate plan of treatment. Without the x-rays, certain problem areas can go undetected for years.
Dental x-rays…What can they reveal?
- Any type of bone loss, abscessed teeth, or cysts.
- Cancerous and non-cancerous tumors.
- Decay between the teeth.
- Abnormalities in development of the teeth.
- Poor tooth and root positions.
- Problems inside of a tooth or problems below the gum line.
Detecting and treating many various dental problems at an early point can actually save you time, lots of money, and much unnecessary discomfort, and of course, it can save your teeth!
Dental x-rays…Are they safe?
There is natural radiation in our environment, and we are all exposed to it all of the time. The amount of radiation exposure from a series of full mouth x-rays is equal to the amount of radiation a person receives in a single day from natural radiation sources.
Dental x-rays produce such a low level of radiation that they are considered to be completely safe. Dentists take necessary precautions to limit the patient’s exposure to radiation when taking these dental x-rays. These precautions include the using of a lead apron, which shields the patient and to protect their body from the radiation, and also using modern, fast film that cuts down the exposure time of each x-ray.
Dental x-rays…Should be taken how often?
The need for dental x-rays depends on each patient’s individual dental health needs. The dentist and dental hygienist will recommend x-rays, only when they are needed, and based on the review of your medical and dental history, dental exam, signs and symptoms of possible problems, age, and risk for any diseases.
A full mouth series of dental x-rays is recommended for all new patients, and this full mouth series is usually good for three to five years. Bite-wing x-rays, which are x-rays of top and bottom teeth biting together, are only taken at re-call, or check-up visits, and are recommended once or twice a year to detect any new possible dental problems.
Digital X-Rays
Digital radiography, or a digital x-ray, is the very latest dental technology, and it is used to take dental x-rays. The technique of digital x-rays uses an electronic sensor, instead of x-ray film, which captures and stores this digital image on a computer. This image can be instantly viewed and enlarged helping the dentist and dental hygienist to immediately detect any possible problems much easier. Digital x-rays reduce the radiation by a whopping 80-90% compared to the already low exposure of traditional dental x-rays.
Dental x-rays are certainly essential, and are a great preventative and diagnostic tool that will provide much valuable information, which is not visible during a regular dental exam. Dentists and dental hygienists will use this information to safely and accurately detect hidden dental abnormalities and to help them complete an accurate treatment plan. Without the use of x-rays, many problems can go undetected.
For more infromation contact us at 860-673-0451 we look forward to see you.
