The Importance of Dental X-Rays
Routine dental visits allow your dentist to detect dental problems at their earliest and most treatable stage. Dental radiography plays a critical role in accomplishing that. While a visual examination from your dentist can pinpoint signs of advanced decay or gum disease, it is limited to what only the naked eye can see. Dental x-rays allow your dental team to view areas between your teeth, inside your teeth and underneath the gums. Dental issues can occur in these hidden places just the same.
Dental x-rays offer the ability to detect the very first signs of oral health problems, which may include a slight trace of a cavity, a cyst or tumor at the root tip or initial evidence of infection and disease. X-ray can also expose congenitally missing teeth or impacted wisdom teeth, which can influence how your dentist designs your treatment plan going forward. With the early detection of radiography, patients often get the treatment they need before a problem has a chance to develop.
When Should You Get an X-Ray?
How often dental x-rays are needed depends on your age, the status of your dental health and your specific risk for dental disease. Most dental insurance plans cover the recommended amount of dental x-rays for preventive care. X-rays can include various types to capture different areas of your mouth, including bitewings, panoramic and periapical x-rays. Of course, if you have a dental emergency or unexpected dental concern, x-rays may be in order to help diagnose and treat your problem.
Are Dental X-Rays Safe?
Should you worry about radiation exposure? There’s really no need for concern here. Not only do dentists take extra safety precautions to protect patients from the small amounts of radiation exposure, but modern dental imaging has also reduced exposure even further. In fact, most dental offices use digital x-rays, which reduce exposure by up to 80%! You get far more radiation exposure on an airplane flight than you do taking x-rays at your dental office.
For more information on why dental x-rays are an important part of your oral health plan, please contact Laguna West Dental Care in Elk Grove. We deliver excellence in preventive dental care for patients of all ages, and we proudly invest in the most advanced x-ray technology available.