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.

Also See

Tools and Technology
Sedation
Lasers

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IconHours and Location
Monday - Thursday*
8:30 am - 5:00 pm

Friday
7:30 am - 1:30 pm

*limited evening hours also available

970 W. Wooster Suite 125
Wood County Medical Building
Bowling Green, Ohio 43402

IconContact Information
Office
419.352.2569

Email
smiles@bgdentistry.com

IconTips
Diet and Oral Health -- Your body is like a complex machine. The foods you choose as fuel and how often you “fill up” affect your general health and that of your teeth and gums. We are concerned that patients are consuming record numbers of sugar-filled sodas, sweetened fruit drinks, and non-nutritious snacks that affect their teeth. These items generally have little if any nutritional value and over time they can take a toll on teeth. Eating patterns and food choices among children and teens are important factors that affect how quickly youngsters may develop tooth decay. When bacteria (plaque) come into contact with sugar in the mouth, acid is produced, which attacks the teeth for 20 minutes or more. This can eventually result in tooth decay. Not sure you're getting the nutrients, vitamins and minerals needed by your body (and your teeth and gums)? The USDA oversees the nutritional health of the nation. The agency's dietary recommendations are designed to promote optimal health and to prevent obesity-related diseases including cardiovascular disease, Type 2 diabetes and cancers. The government's recommendations recognize that people have different dietary needs at various stages of life. They offer guidance for children and adults based on their levels of physical activity. A registered dietician can also provide suggestions for your daily food intake. Foods that contain sugars of any kind can contribute to tooth decay. Almost all foods, including milk or vegetables, have some type of sugar. However, they shouldn't be removed from our diets because many of them contain important nutrients. And they add pleasure to eating. To help control the amount of sugar you consume, read food labels and choose foods and beverages that are low in added sugars. Added sugars often are present in soft drinks, candy, cookies, and pastries. If your diet lacks certain nutrients, it may be more difficult for tissues in your mouth to resist infection. This may contribute to periodontal (gum) disease, a major cause of tooth loss in adults. Although poor nutrition does not cause periodontal disease directly, many researchers believe that the disease progresses faster and could be more severe in people with nutrient-poor diets What can you do? Maintain a healthy diet. Make sure water is readily available. Limit the number of between-meal snacks. When you must snack, choose nutritious foods that are low in sugar. Brush thoroughly twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste that has the American Dental Association's Seal of Acceptance. Floss or use another kind of interdental cleaner daily to remove plaque (a thin film of bacteria) from under the gums and between teeth. Schedule regular dental visits for checkups and cleanings. Keep a food diary for a week. Record every item you eat and drink, including hard candies or chewing gum that contains sugar. Compare the diary to the Food Pyramid recommendations.