X-rays are a form of electromagnetic radiation that pass through skin and bone, allowing dentists to see problems not visible to the naked eye. Dental x-rays help dentists detect and treat tooth decay, gum disease, abscesses, impacted teeth, tumors, jawbones, and temporomandibular joints (TMJ). Dental x-rays are safe, effective, and necessary for diagnosing dental issues.

What are dental X-rays?

The radiation you are exposed to during a dental X-ray is very low. In fact, it’s the same type of radiation you are exposed to when you fly in an airplane or eat a banana. It’s so low that it doesn’t increase your risk for cancer or other health problems. However, if you are pregnant, you should tell your dentist before getting an x-ray taken.

Dental x-rays allow us to see the inside of your teeth and the supporting structures under the gums. They allow the dentist to check for cavities and to see if there are any signs of infection in the tooth roots and surrounding tissues. They also help us diagnose jawbone deterioration, teeth misalignment, impacted teeth, and gum disease. In addition to our visual examination, we will also use other diagnostic tests such as periodontal probing and visual inspection of your mouth to check for oral cancer and other oral diseases or abnormalities. If you are a new patient, we may recommend getting a full set of dental x-rays so we can determine the current status of your dental health. If you are an existing patient and have had recent trauma to your smile, we may want a full set taken again too. Our dentist will go over the results with you to help you better understand the health of your mouth and what steps you may need to take next!

Preventive dentistry is the best way to keep your smile healthy and prevent tooth decay and tooth loss. We recommend scheduling two checkups and cleanings each year. During your checkup, we will clean your teeth and remove plaque buildup. We will also screen for any signs of decay, periodontal disease, and other conditions so you can avoid the need for more invasive treatments in the future. In between visits, make sure you brush your teeth twice a day for at least two minutes each time and floss at least once a day. Use a fluoride toothpaste to strengthen your tooth enamel and make it more resistant to acid attacks that can cause tooth decay. It’s also a good idea to limit your intake of sugary foods and beverages to prevent

How safe are dental X-rays?

X-rays are an incredibly important part of your dental care. These images help Dr. Goel and his team see what is going on with your teeth, and they help your dentist diagnose potential concerns like cavities or infections.

Many patients worry about the safety of these imaging technologies, which produce radiation that has the potential to cause issues. But it is important to note that the dosage of radiation you receive from a typical x-ray is very small. In fact, it would take about 1,000 x-rays to equal the same dose of radiation as one CT scan! X-rays are safe as long as they are only done when necessary, and they help you avoid unnecessary procedures in the long run.

How often should I get X-rays taken?

Taking an X-ray can identify problems that are not visible to the naked eye, such as cavities between teeth and decay under the gum line that has not yet caused any pain. Although it is safe to get X-rays taken every year unless your dentist tells you otherwise, the amount of radiation you are exposed to each time you are X-rayed is very small. The risk is even smaller for children since their smaller bodies absorb less radiation. Talk to your dentist about getting your children’s teeth X-rayed regularly so they grow up without any fear of the dentist’s office.

Although there is some slight radiation exposure when you undergo an x-ray, the benefits far outweigh the risks. For example, an x-ray can detect oral cancer early when it is easiest to treat it. An X-ray can also detect infections in the jaw or surrounding structures that would not be evident during a visual examination. If you struggle with gum disease, x-rays can pinpoint the areas in your mouth that are most affected so your dentist can create a customized treatment plan to help you improve your oral health. For more information about the benefits of getting your teeth X-rayed, schedule a consultation with your cosmetic dentist today.

Schedule an appointment with your cosmetic dentist to learn more about the safety of undergoing X-rays for dental care. Your dentist will be able to answer any questions you have and help you determine if getting an X-ray is right for you and your oral health needs.