Dental X-rays (commonly called dental radiographs) are images of teeth, bones, and soft tissues in the mouth. They play an essential role in general dentistry, as they help diagnose hidden issues before they become major problems.
Typically, dental X-rays are a part of yearly dental exams. But, if you haven’t been to the dentist in a while, then you may be overdue for updated X-rays. Match Mouth can help you find the perfect dentist in Treasure Valley, ID, to help you get low-radiation X-rays for comprehensive, cost-effective dental care. Give us a call today at (208) 900-4737!
Ordinarily, dentists visually examine the oral cavity for any signs of dental issues during a routine exam. However, dentists cannot see below the surface of the gums. That’s why they rely on x-ray images to determine the relative health of the structures underneath. In this blog, we discuss what dental X-rays are, their benefits, and potential risks.
What are dental X-rays?
Dental X-rays are a type of medical imaging that uses radiation to produce an image of the inside of the mouth. There are two main types of dental X-rays: intraoral and extraoral.
A dentist uses intraoral X-rays to gather images of the inside of the mouth. Usually, intraoral X-rays include bitewing, periapical, and occlusal X-rays. Dentists take extraoral X-rays outside of the mouth, and these X-rays usually include panoramic images of the entire skull.
Benefits of Dental X-Rays
Dental X-rays provide important information to dentists and dental specialists that help them diagnose and treat dental problems. Some of the benefits of dental X-rays include:
Early Detection
Dental X-rays can detect dental problems in the early stages before they become visible to the naked eye. Early detection allows for more conservative and less invasive treatments, which can save patients time and money.
Comprehensive Care
Dental X-rays provide a comprehensive view of the mouth, allowing dentists to see the entire tooth structure, including the roots and surrounding bone. This is important, as dental care goes beyond the visible surfaces of teeth, extending well below the gum line.
Diagnostic Tool
Dental X-rays can diagnose a variety of dental conditions, including:
- Cavities
- Gum disease
- Infections
- Cysts
Diagnosing these conditions with dental X-rays is the first step in getting the dental care you deserve.
Treatment Planning
Dental X-rays help dentists plan treatments, such as braces, implants, and extractions. They can also monitor the progress of treatments over time, allowing them to make adjustments to your care in real time.
Potential Risks of Dental X-Rays
While dental X-rays are generally safe, they do involve exposure to radiation. The amount of radiation exposure from dental X-rays is low, and the risk of harm is minimal. However, it’s important to minimize unnecessary exposure to radiation, especially for children and pregnant people.
To reduce the risks associated with dental X-rays, dentists use lead aprons to shield the body from radiation. They also use digital X-rays, which reduce the amount of radiation exposure by up to 90% compared to traditional film X-rays.
In addition, dentists follow the ALARA philosophy (As Low As Reasonably Achievable) when it comes to exposing patients to radiation. This means that they use the lowest radiation dose necessary to obtain diagnostic information.
Dental X-Rays in Treasure Valley, ID
Experts recommend getting dental X-rays at least once every six to 18 months. Are you due for updated dental X-ray images? Contact Match Mouth to help you find the perfect dentist for your needs in Treasure Valley, ID! Call (208) 900-4737 to get started now.
