Why Are Dental X-rays Important?
August 17, 2023 9:13 pmDental X-rays, also known as radiographs, easily capture images of your jaw, gums, and teeth. These images offer crucial information that often remains hidden during routine exams. From detecting tooth decay to enabling accurate treatment plans, dental X-rays play an important role for both patients and dentists.
Benefits of Dental X-rays
Thanks to technological advancements, digital dental X-rays emit minimal radiation to patients. For instance, the radiation from bitewing X-rays (typically taken during check-up exams) amounts to only 0.005 mSv (millisieverts). This value is even lower than the natural daily radiation exposure encountered in our everyday lives (0.010 mSv). The practice of clinicians stepping out of the room during X-rays is primarily aimed at minimizing their own exposure, as they handle numerous patients each day. Rest assured, the tiny radiation exposure is unquestionably outweighed by the benefits. Dental X-rays provide many advantages:
Early Detection of Dental Problems
Comprehensive Evaluation of Oral Health
Diagnosis of Hidden Dental Issues
Monitoring Oral Health Changes Over Time
Dental X-rays reveal dental issues in their early stages, when they are still invisible to the naked eye. They uncover cavities, infections, bone loss, and impacted teeth that might not be noticeable during a visual examination. Early identification allows for prompt treatment, preventing further complications, often reducing the cost to you.
Through dental X-rays, our team assesses teeth roots, jawbones, and the overall mouth structure. This information is crucial for planning orthodontic treatments, dental implants, and extractions. Dental X-rays aid our dentists in determining the most effective treatment options.
Some dental conditions remain hidden without X-rays. For example, X-rays are indispensable for detecting tumors, cysts, or abscesses concealed beneath the gum line or within the jawbone. These concealed issues can be potentially dangerous and may necessitate immediate attention.
Dental X-rays are beneficial for diagnosing dental problems and for monitoring changes in oral health over time. By comparing X-rays from prior visits to current ones, our team identifies signs of progression or improvement in a patient’s dental condition. This aids in tracking the efficacy of ongoing treatments, adjusting plans as needed, and ensuring optimal oral health.
Complete Dental Care at Elyson Family Dental
Dental X-rays are a valuable dentistry tool. At Elyson Family Dental, we utilize dental X-rays to comprehensively evaluate your jaw, teeth, and gums, diagnose concealed dental issues, and monitor your oral health. Contact our office today to schedule your appointment!
Image from Authority Dental under CC 2.0
Categorised in: Dental Radiographs