We all want to live our healthiest lives. We know that part of keeping ourselves healthy is regular visits to our Granite Bay office for checkups and necessary dental work. And that dental work might require an X-ray. Should the amount of dental X-ray radiation concern us?
Minimizing Exposure and Maximizing Safety
First, it is helpful to know that the radiation you are exposed to from a dental X-ray is very small. A set of most bitewing X-rays, for example, produces an amount of exposure about equal to the amount of background radiation we get from our normal surroundings in a typical day. We also take care to minimize your exposure even further by using specially designed equipment and protective shielding and taking only necessary X-rays. If your child is very young if you are pregnant, or if you have other health concerns, talk to us about the advisability of X-rays and whether they are essential to treatment.
The Importance of Visual and Diagnostic Tools
Second, much of our careful general examination will be done visually. Dr. Marina Milstein can check for cavities and other problems and assess tooth and gum health. But sometimes, there are conditions which can’t be detected without an X-ray.
- Decay that isn’t visible in an oral exam—if a small cavity develops between teeth or is hidden underneath a filling, an X-ray will catch it before more damage can take place.
- Infection—An X-ray will reveal infections such as abscesses that can damage both bone and tooth and gum disease that has harmed bone and connective tissue.
- Orthodontic and periodontal issues—We might need an X-ray to determine the spacing and development of your child’s incoming teeth and maturing jaw structure to create braces for adults or children properly or to place an implant within the jawbone.
Establishing a Baseline for Ongoing Dental Health
If you are a new patient, it is helpful to have complete X-rays taken as a baseline of your current dental health and previous dental work. This baseline allows us to track tooth and jaw development, if necessary, and to evaluate any future changes that might be a concern. (If you have had X-rays taken in another office, we can help you have them transferred so we have a background of your dental history.)
Our Commitment to Your Health
Even though the radiation from a dental X-ray is minimal, be assured that we will never request any unnecessary procedure. When we recommend an X-ray, we do so to make sure no decay or infection is threatening the health of your gums and teeth and that we have the essential knowledge we need to treat any dental, periodontal, or orthodontic condition. We all want to live our healthiest lives, and part of that healthy life is active and proactive dental care. Don’t wait until discomfort arises or potential issues become actual problems. Contact our office today to schedule your complimentary consultation and achieve optimal dental health and peace of mind.
