Did you know that without x-rays we might not find cavities or the beginnings of disease in your mouth? To avoid damaged or lost teeth, we use modern dental technology to take x-rays. This lets us discover problems before they become more serious.
Dental x-rays are very low in terms of the amount of radiation involved compared to other types of x-rays. With the latest dental technology, dental x-rays have become even safer than before. We know that the benefits of x-rays to your health are much greater than the small risk of radiation exposure.
To limit radiation exposure, we use a lead shield over your body when taking necessary x-rays. How often we take them depends on your age, risk for disease, and any symptoms of oral disease. Generally, children have more x-rays taken than adults because children’s’ teeth and jaws are still developing.
X-rays can reveal important issues invisible to the naked eye such as:
- cavities hidden under fillings
- small cavities between teeth
- periodontal disease
- infections in the bone
- abscesses or cysts
- tumors
It’s crucial for us to catch these items early to save you time, cost, and discomfort. Without x-rays, we may not detect something significant about your teeth and health. Please speak with us if you have any concerns about x-rays.