If you could skip X-rays, would you give up the complete picture of your tooth health? Not sure what to do? You are not the only one! Fear of radiation is becoming more common at the dentist’s office than fear of injections, especially here in New York. However, skipping this important part of your checkup could cost you a lot.
Before you let your fear of X-rays get the best of you, find out what is really at stake, how much risk you really have, and what else you and your doctor can do to be safe without giving up important dental information. To learn more, you can consult a dental practice in Carmel, NY.
Understanding dental x-rays.
Dental X-rays, which are also called dental radiographs, are basically high-tech pictures that show your teeth, jawline, and the tissues around them in great detail. Unlike what the human eye can see, X-rays can show problems that are hiding below the surface. This lets your dentists:
Find cavities
X-rays can find even the smallest cavities that are hiding between teeth or under the gum line. This lets you fix the problem quickly and stop it from getting worse.
Check the health of your bones.
X-rays give dentists useful information about bone density, which helps them figure out how much bone loss might be caused by gum disease or other conditions.
Watch how your teeth grow.
X-rays make it possible to see how teeth grow and develop over time, especially in kids. This way, any problems can be found quickly.
Prepare for procedures
X-rays are often used to help dentists precisely plan operations like root canals, implant placement, and wisdom tooth surgery.
Level of risk associated with dental x-rays.
Of course, being exposed to radiation can be scary, but the dose amount in X-rays is very low. The American Dental Association cites a report that says that normal bitewing pictures of your back teeth only subject you to 0.005 millisieverts (mSV) of radiation. This is in contrast to the 3.2 mSV of radiation that your body is naturally exposed to every day. These days, you can get computer X-rays, which lower your risks even more.
Dental X-rays should not be done at the same frequency for everyone. The suggested plan is based on your age, mouth health, risk factors, and personal dental history, among other things. Your dentist will talk to you about these things and figure out how often you should get X-rays so that you get the best mix between a full exam and a low dose of radiation.
Do not let your fears get in the way of your oral health! Schedule a consultation with your dentist today.
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