X-rays are an essential part of modern dental care. Although they are used to diagnose your current oral health, X-rays can also benefit your long-term health by helping your dentist identify potential problems before they become serious. While the process of having X-rays done can sometimes be uncomfortable, they’re necessary for your dentist to get a more thorough impression of your oral health.
WHAT X-RAYS SHOW
X-rays provide detailed information about your teeth and the bones and tissues in your mouth. X-rays can help dentists:
- Find cavities
- Look at the tooth roots
- Check the health of the bony areas around the teeth
- Help diagnose periodontal disease
- Assess the status of developing teeth
ARE DENTAL X-RAYS SAFE?
Yes. The amount of radiation from a series of digital dental x-rays is less than the amount a person receives in a single day from natural sources. At Pound Ridge Cosmetic Dentistry, we take necessary precautions to limit each patient’s exposure, including using a lead apron for torso coverage.
How often you need X-rays depends on your individual health needs. We review each patient’s history, and do an oral exam, before deciding whether he or she need X-rays and what type.
DENTAL X-RAYS AND PREGNANCY
According to The American College of Radiology, “no single diagnostic x-ray has a high enough radiation dose to cause adverse effects in a developing fetus.” Dental X-rays during your pregnancy are considered safe, again with the use of the appropriate lead apron.
