The Safety & Benefits of X-Rays

Once a year you may recall your dental professional recommending x-rays of your teeth. When we order x-rays to be completed it is to ensure that you are receiving the best possible treatment for your individual needs. While you may be reluctant about extra radiation or maybe you just don’t feel like having them done that day, it is important for you to know how imperative and beneficial they are, along with how strongly the pros outweigh the cons.

We understand that radiation exposure is important and we follow a standard of care known as, ALARA (as low as reasonably achievable) which ensures your safety by only taking what it needed to make a proper diagnosis for you. Did you know that you consume more radiation in a year from food than you do from dental x-rays? (Check out the chart below). So, now that we understand the safety of dental x-rays, why are they important?

The majority of your teeth, along with the support structure that prevents them from falling out, is about 12 mm BELOW your gums. While we strive to keep those pearly whites sparkling and clean on the outside, it is also our duty to make sure your teeth not only look good, but are healthy and disease free.

Dental x-rays allow us to have a complete visual of your teeth and the bone that surrounds them. We are able to detect infections and disease that may be occurring deep within your jaw; tumors that may have developed within your bone, or cracks that have traveled from the top of the tooth all the way to the root. X-rays give us important information that we are able to use to plan ahead, prevent future complications, and put together a treatment plan that is catered to you.