DENTAL RADIOGRAPHS / DENTAL X-RAYS

Why do we take x-rays? What are the recommendations for x-rays?

Dental X-rays (radiographs) are images of your teeth that your dentist uses to evaluate your oral health. Without these images, we cannot properly diagnose your condition. We could miss severe conditions like infection or cancer!

X-rays help your dentist see beyond what the naked eye can see. Things we can see from x rays:

1. Cavities

2. Gum Disease

3. Abscesses

4. Abnormal Growth

5. Tumors or cysts

Are you concerned about the radiation levels?

The good news is that the radiation levels are so low (especially with digital x-rays) that it is deemed safe for children and adults.

When are radiographs recommended?

Anytime you see the dentist for the first time, dental radiographs are required for proper diagnosis. At our office, this will include a full set of x-rays of each individual tooth. After that, each year we will take a few x rays to monitor that things have not changed. It is always recommended that x-rays are taken before any treatment such as teeth whitening, fillings, crowns, dental veneers, and much more!

If you have gone quite some time without a dental appointment, expect radiographs to be taken. We want to make sure we don’t miss anything when we are evaluating you! Radiographs are, however, dependent on each patient and the condition of their teeth. If things change since we have seen you last (lost a filling, broke a tooth, new pain) then we will also take a new x-ray so that we can provide the best treatment for the current condition of your tooth.

We hope you find some useful information when it comes to dental x-rays.