GENERAL DENTISTRY

DENTAL X-RAYS

X-rays are a vital procedure in the care and maintenance of healthy teeth and a strong supporting mouth structure. X-rays provide your dentist with important information on how to best care for your dental health.

How do x-rays work?
X-rays are beams that pass through your mouth and create an image called a radiograph. As the X-rays travel through your mouth, they are absorbed by dense parts such as teeth and bone while soft tissue parts (such as cheeks and gums) allow some x-rays to travel through.

Once they have completed their travels, the x-rays strike a film on the other side. In the final image, teeth appear lighter because fewer X-rays penetrate to reach the film. Tooth decay, infections and signs of gum disease, including changes in the bone and ligaments holding teeth in place, appear darker because of more X-ray penetration. Dental restorations (fillings, crowns) may appear lighter or darker, depending on the type of material used for the restoration.

What can my dentist see on an x-ray?
Dental x-rays reveal a lot of important information that cannot be seen during a regular dental exam. The information shown by x-rays can help your dentist detect problems areas and accurately pinpoint the exact areas of concern. Your dentist can then use this information to formulate the best treatment plan.

Dental x-rays can help identify:

• Infections in the bone or bone loss
• Periodontal (gum) disease
• Abscesses or cysts
• Developmental abnormalities
• Cancerous and non-cancerous tumors.
• Poor tooth and root positions
• Problems inside a tooth or below the gum line

Are dental x-rays safe?
Nearly all medical procedures have risks and benefits, and dental X-rays are no exception. However, the benefits of dental x-rays far outweigh the minimal risk of low levels or radiation.

Many advances have been made in dental x-ray technology over the years, with much focus on reducing levels of radiation. Today's x-rays use a very small cone, so radiation is only pointed at the small spot where the x-ray film is located. Also, advancements in x-ray film mean that the film requires less radiation to develop the same quality picture.

Your dentist takes every precaution to ensure your safety. X-rays are taken only as needed and a lead apron is used during the x-ray to protect the rest of the body from radiation. Stray radiation is almost nonexistent with modern dental x-ray machines. By law all x-ray machines in the U.S. are checked for accuracy and safety at least every two years.

How often should dental x-rays be taken?
The schedule of x-rays varies by patient. Factors determining the need for and frequency of x-rays include a patient's age, medical and dental history, past dental procedures, family history and symptoms. Your dentist will provide you with an x-ray schedule after a comprehensive dental examination.