Dental X-Rays
Dental radiographs (X-rays) are essential, preventative, diagnostic tools that provide valuable information not visible during a regular dental exam. Our team uses this information to safely and accurately detect hidden dental abnormalities and complete an accurate treatment plan consistent with the standards set forth by the North Carolina State Dental Board but in a manner customized to each patient based on their individual risk. We do this in such a way as to provide our dental care in as conservative a manner as possible physically and financially Without X-rays, problem areas may go undetected.
Dental X-rays may reveal:
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Abscesses or cysts.
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Bone loss.
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Cancerous and non-cancerous tumors.
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Decay between the teeth.
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Developmental abnormalities.
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Poor tooth and root positions.
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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. Additionally, our office has also made investments in the most current dental technology to allow our images to be acquired and manipulated digitally. This approach allows us to gleam much more information from the images at an even smaller amount of needed exposure than was traditionally possible with analog film based approaches.
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 based on an individual's calculated risk to determine frequency and detect new dental problems.
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