X-rays allow your dentist to diagnose and treat dental problems early. These images can show problems that cannot be seen with the naked eye, such as cavities between teeth and bone loss.

What are dental x-rays used for?

Dentists use dental x-rays to help diagnose a wide range of dental health concerns, including tooth decay and bone loss that hasn’t yet caused any symptoms or signs. X-rays are also used to detect an oral infection or abscessed tooth. Cavities that aren’t visible on the surface of your teeth can also be detected with x-rays. In addition, this diagnostic test helps dentists monitor the health of developing teeth in children and helps determine when a child may need braces or other orthodontic work.

Dental x-rays are considered safe, but the ionizing radiation that is emitted from them can cause harm to the body if exposure is prolonged over a long time. This is why dentists take all necessary steps to limit your exposure to radiation while getting high quality images. A lead apron is placed over the area of the body being x-rayed to protect your vital organs from absorbing the harmful rays. In addition, digital x-rays that create less radiation than traditional film-based x-rays are often used. Also, a trained radiology technician will be present to monitor your health during the procedure. If you have any concerns about the safety of dental x-rays, talk to your dentist. They will be able to explain all of the steps they take to ensure you are exposed to a minimal amount of radiation and that the benefits outweigh the risks.

How can dental x-rays be harmful to my body?

X-rays are a form of electromagnetic radiation, and radiation of any kind can be dangerous to your health in large amounts or from frequent exposure. However, the amount of radiation you’re exposed to during a routine dental x-ray is very minimal. In fact, the amount of radiation you receive from a full set of dental x-rays is equal to the amount that you’d receive from a short airplane trip across the country! Plus, the X-ray machines that are on the market today are designed to emit as little radiation as possible while still providing a clear image of your oral structures.

If you’re concerned about any radiation exposure, ask your dentist about digital X-rays instead. Unlike traditional film-based radiography, digital images don’t require radiation to be processed, so you can feel confident knowing you’re getting the safest possible care.

]]> Dental X-Ray Safety Disinfections and disease can make themselves known through your teeth’s dentin layer when it breaks down and becomes infected. Unfortunately, this infection often goes unnoticed until its symptoms worsen. When left untreated,

What steps can I take to protect myself during dental x-rays?

While no medical procedure is risk-free, dental x-rays have a very low rate of associated problems. Before your x-ray is taken at the dentist’s office, a protective apron will be placed over your chest so that you are completely covered. Also, a leaded collar can be placed around your neck so that only the teeth receive radiation. If you are particularly concerned about radiation exposure, you can request that a digital x-ray machine be used instead. Digital x-rays are safer because they require less exposure to radiation than film-based x-rays. Plus, digital x-rays can be viewed immediately and enlarged for better diagnosis. Contact us today to learn more about the safety of dental x-rays at [practice name].