X-Rays

The prescribing of x-rays or radiographs to evaluate the oral health of our patients is done to assess those areas of the mouth and jaws which cannot be visualized with the naked eye.

X-rays allow the doctors to assess multiple areas including:

• cavities between the teeth and under old fillings.
• infections in the jaw bones or around the tooth roots.
• the level of supporting bone around the teeth and under the gums.
• the anatomy of the TMJ joints and vital structures near wisdom teeth roots.
• pathology within the jaws.
• growth and development of the jaws.
• comparisons to previous x-rays when monitoring conditions.

We determine the type, number, and frequency of x-rays to be taken according to the unique needs of the individual patient. We follow the established guidelines from the American Dental Association and the Food and Drug Administration when recommending radiographs that are in our patients’ best interests.

Some patients may be concerned about exposure to x-rays. It is well-established that radiation exposure via dental x-rays is extremely low. The average U.S. citizen gets exposed to roughly 80 times more radiation in a typical year through natural sources such as sunlight or air travel, than they are exposed to through “bitewing” x-rays in a dental office.

None the less, every precaution is taken to minimize radiation exposure to our patients and staff. This includes the use of lead apron barriers, reducing exposure times with the use of high speed x-ray film, and minimizing the number of films taken.

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