3 Things To Know About X-Rays In Dentistry

Approximately once a year, your dentist will want to take x-rays of your teeth. While you do not have to agree to this, getting x-rays is important, as they can reveal issues your dentist cannot see simply by looking at your teeth. Here are several important things to understand about the importance of x-rays in dentistry.

They are safe.

Many people have concerns over the safety of x-rays, primarily because they expose you to radiation, but the good news is that the level of radiation is so low that it will not harm you in any way. This is especially true for digital x-rays. In the past, dentists primarily used film x-rays to take pictures of teeth. Today, though, most dentists have switched to digital x-rays. Not only do digital x-rays expose you to even less radiation, they also tend to offer better-quality pictures of your teeth. If you are worried about the safety of the x-rays, you should know that they are safe. You can talk to your dentist about this, though, if you still have concerns or questions.

X-rays reveal so much more than what the eye can see.

Secondly, the reason dentists push taking x-rays once a year is because they actually reveal so much about the teeth, the jaw, and other parts of the mouth. Through x-rays, a dentist can find a cavity long before it even begins affecting a tooth. Dentists can spot infections in the mouth through x-rays. They can also see the roots of teeth, impacted teeth, and the jawbone through x-rays.

There are different types.

The most common type of x-ray used by dentists is called a bite wing. This is the type of x-ray you may think of when you think about dental x-rays. When a dentist takes bite wings, he or she will take multiple different x-rays, as these are small x-rays that show only certain portions of the teeth. These are the best type to see the condition of molar teeth, though, and that is why they are used so often.

Additionally, a dentist may also take a panoramic x-ray of your mouth every few years. This is done simply to see your entire mouth as a whole on one picture. You, again, do not have to consent to this x-ray, but it can be beneficial for your dentist.

If you have concerns or questions relating to x-rays as a dental service, you can learn more by visiting a dentist and talking to him or her about these things.