What are Dental X-rays?
Your teeth and jaws can be quickly and painlessly imaged using dental X-rays. X-rays are radiation in the form of invisible energy beams. As the X-rays pass through a bodily part and are absorbed differently depending on the density of the structures, the images are shown on film or on the computer screen. Less dense body parts, like nerves and muscles, absorb less X-ray radiation and appear as shades of grey, whereas dense body parts, like bones and teeth, absorb more and appear as white patches on the final image.
When To Get Dental X-Rays?
Since the inside of these oral structures cannot be seen when a dentist looks inside your mouth, dental X-rays are used to diagnose disorders that damage the teeth and bones. They offer crucial details to aid in organizing the proper dental care.
Dental X-rays may be used to identify:
- The number, size, and placement of teeth.
- Dental caries.
- Loss of bone due to periodontal disease.
- Decay in the teeth.
- Fractured jaws.
- Issues with occlusion.
- Jaw injuries.
- Other skeletal and dental anomalies.
How Often Should Dental X-Rays Be Taken?
Depending on the patient’s needs, which are determined by the clinical examination and risk factors, dental x-rays may be taken. If you are a new patient, dental X-rays could be needed to evaluate your oral health and create a baseline for spotting potential changes in the future.
Dental X-rays should be taken based on frequency:
- Age and developmental stage
- Currently, available clinical data and oral health
- Risk of periodontal disease and tooth caries
- If you have any oral illness symptoms
What are the dangers of Dental X-rays?
A single dental x-ray image carries very little danger. Even at modest doses of radiation exposure, some studies do indicate a tiny increase in the risk of developing cancer, particularly in youngsters. At Jarrell Dental Care, we take all reasonable precautions to minimize radiation exposure for our safety.
How safe are dental X-rays?
Every day, radiation in small doses is present around us thanks to the sun, rocks, soil, buildings, air, and water. Background radiation is the name given to this type of natural radiation. The dentist will only use as much radiation as is required to assess the target area.
A dental X-ray has a very low radiation risk. The radiation you receive from a full set of dental X-rays is really comparable to the radiation emitted by electronics like TVs, smartphones, and computers.
Dental X-rays can, however, be dangerous in excessively high doses and may even raise your risk of developing cancer. Because of this, you shouldn’t have X-rays more frequently than necessary. You can analyse the advantages and disadvantages of dental X-rays with the assistance of your doctor.
Children’s Dental X-Rays
A single dental x-ray image carries very little danger. However, some research indicates a modest rise in cancer risk, especially in children. The radiation exposure should be kept as minimal as feasible as a result.
Pregnancy And Dental X-Rays
If you are pregnant, let your dentist know right away. X-rays might be required as part of your dental disease treatment strategy while you are pregnant. Dental care, including dental X-rays, is safe to get while pregnant, according to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.
You and your unborn child will be shielded from radiation exposure if you wear a leaded apron and a thyroid collar. Dental X-rays do not need to be postponed if you are breastfeeding or attempting to get pregnant.
Dental X-rays are an inseparable part of dental diagnostics. They are necessary to get a complete picture of bones and teeth. At Jarrell Dental Care, we take utmost care while taking dental X-rays. In case you’re pregnant, please let your provider know, and we’ll make sure we make it safe for you.