Getting dental x-rays is an important component of your preventive dental care plan. Dental imaging has come a long way in past decades. Instead of traditional x-ray film, most modern dental offices offer digital imaging, which is more comfortable, safer and highly efficient. While many patients assume x-rays are just for spotting cavities, they actually reveal a whole lot more about your oral health. X-rays show areas below your gum line and tell us things that can’t be viewed with the naked eye.
- Should I avoid the radiation exposure in dental x-rays if possible?
- At Park South Dentistry, we use digital imaging tools. This means you are exposed to a very minimal amount of radiation, up to 90% less than traditional x-ray film! Your risk of harmful effects is nearly non-existent.
- What else do x-rays show besides tooth decay?
- There’s a wide variety of oral health concerns that can be revealed through dental radiography, including the following:
- Dental Abscesses
- Small or beginning areas of decay
- Bone loss
- Trauma to tooth roots
- Cancerous growths
- Sinus issues
- Impacted wisdom teeth
- How often do I need dental x-rays?
- The frequency of dental imaging is based on the patient’s specific risk factors and clinical needs. For example, if you have a history of gum disease, you may be required to get x-rays every six months. Other patients may need imaging every 2 to 3 years. In general, those with periodontal disease, implants, root canals or other dental problems will need to be monitored more closely.
- Besides low radiation exposure, what are the other benefits of digital x-rays?
- Using digital x-rays allows oral images to be instantly viewed on a computer screen for the dentist. The images are clear and more precise than past x-ray film. They allow for a quicker and more accurate diagnosis and can easily be transferred to another dentist or specialist if necessary.
Bottom line – dental x-rays require minimal sacrifice on your part and they provide a wealth of information for your dentist. Most importantly, they can help you avoid painful or disruptive symptoms of a certain dental issue by detecting the problem at an earlier and more treatable stage.
