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Dental radiographs (x-rays)
are essential, preventative, diagnostic tools that provide valuable
information not visible during a regular dental exam. Dentists and
dental hygienists use this information to safely and accurately detect
hidden dental abnormalities and complete an accurate treatment plan.
Without x-rays, problem areas may go undetected.
Dental
x-rays may 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,
unnecessary discomfort, and your teeth!
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 x-rays is equal to the
amount a person receives in a single day from natural sources.
Dental
x-rays produce a low level of radiation and are considered safe.
Dentists 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.
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