X-Rays
Why do I need x-rays and what am I missing out on if I don’t get them taken? Find answers to these questions and more about how we use x-rays to help keep your teeth healthy and strong!
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X-rays are the keystone to any dental examination. They help the dentist evaluate your oral health by showing him what the naked eye can’t see.
How do dental X-rays work?
A film is placed inside the mouth near the tongue. X-rays are passed from the outside of the mouth through to the film. Areas that are harder to penetrate will turn out lighter than soft tissues which are easily penetrated. They allow Dr. Petersen to see abnormalities, or infections that would otherwise go undetected.
How often should radiographs be taken?
X-rays are normally taken once per year. Depending on toothaches or other concerns/issues/follow-up care they may be taken more frequently. Full arch x-rays or full mouth sets of x-rays are taken once every 3 years.
- Be assured that we personalize all treatment plans to fit every patient and their needs.
What are the benefits of a dental radiograph examination?
Many problems or diseases in the mouth cannot be seen with the naked eye. X-rays can reveal infections, periodontal disease, abscesses, abnormalities, some tumors, and decay.
Many times these things can be seen with the eye when they are too far along to save the tooth or treat them effectively. X-rays help catch these problems early so that we can take care of the problem before it becomes too big.
How do dental X-rays compare to other sources of radiation?
Radiation is all around us. The amount you get from dental x-rays is small compared to the daily exposure from those other sources which include cosmic radiation and naturally occurring elements. Bitewing x-rays are about one 17th the amount you get from being outside exposed to those natural sources.
What if I’m pregnant and need a dental radiograph examination?
x-rays can be taken if you are pregnant if the problem cannot wait until after you deliver the baby. A lead vest will be used to cover the fetus. Dental x-rays are very concentrated and with the protection of the lead apron the scatter radiation is minimized. A reason that you would not want to wait until after the baby is born is because infection can pose a threat to an unborn fetus.
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