Our office uses digital x-rays to help diagnose problems that cannot be seen with the naked eye alone. X-rays are images of teeth, bones, and soft tissues that can help identify problems beneath the parts of the body that are visible. Problems that x-rays can help identify include things like cavities, wisdom teeth, broken roots, and bone loss. X-rays are a way for a dentist to be proactive. They catch the earliest stages of tooth decay, and can help diagnose problems before symptoms start—which is usually when the problems are easier to fix.
How X-Rays Help
X-rays also help dentists plan treatments. For example, when planning an extraction, the placement of a dental implant, or oral surgeries, it’s crucial that a dentist understand the landscape of the site they are working on. X-rays can help give a detailed picture of that landscape and show exactly what parts of the mouth a dentist needs to focus on and how exactly to navigate those parts.
What To Expect
When you get an x-ray at the dentist, you should expect a fairly routine procedure. You’ll take a seat in the dental chair, and the dental team member will cover you with a protective apron. This helps shield the rest of your bod from x-ray radiation. The dental technician will then have you bite down on a small piece of cardboard or plastic. They may ask you to do this several times in different areas. Depending on the type of x-ray machine, you may have multiple x-ray images taken, or you may have a camera circle your head taking pictures all the while. You will then remove your apron, and just like that, you’re done!
Is It Safe?
A lot of people are afraid of having x-ray images taken. While we understand people’s concerns, we strive to help our patient’s understand the importance of dental x-rays. The amount of radiation exposure is extremely low. Of course, exposure to any sort of radiation carries some inherent risks, but the amount of radiation and the amount of time involved in x-rays is very small. We generally suggest that pregnant women not have routine dental x-rays until they give birth as a precautionary measure. We do utilize the Carivu™ to help with visualization when x-rays are not used.
To discuss digital x-rays in more depth or if you have any questions regarding dental x-rays, feel free to give us a call today!
