Dental X-rays

Regular dental checkups are essential for maintaining good oral health. Dental x-rays are part of the diagnostic process during these visits. Concerns about radiation exposure have raised questions regarding the safety of dental x-rays.

In this guide, we’ll discuss the topic and provide you with a balanced view on the safety of dental x-rays. Visiting a Boise dentist will be essential when it comes to your oral health. And you need x-rays done to ensure no under the surface issues arise. Let’s begin now with the following on dental x-rays and how they can be beneficial for you.

Understanding Dental X-rays

Dental x-rays are also known as radiographs. These are images that provide dentists with valuable information about the health of your teeth and the underlying structures. These images will help dentists identify any issues such as tooth decay, bone loss, impacted teeth, and abnormalities in the mouth.

During your checkup, a dentist in Boise will first check out your teeth. At the same time, they’ll spot any issues that may exist on the surface. However, the dentist’s examination will not stop there. There may be dental issues that may arise below the surface. For this reason, x-rays can be useful in discovering them. They’ll be able to determine if such exist as tooth decay can begin without any visible signs.

For example, some tooth decay can occur inside a tooth, and it may not be noticeable until the tooth further decays (assuming there is no treatment done to it). That’s why it is important to make sure you are brushing twice daily (and flossing once a day). Make sure that your brushing is thorough. Just brushing may not be enough to prevent dental decay from happening.

Types of Dental X-Rays

There are three different types of x-rays that the best Boise dentists use. Here’s what they are (including what makes them great for dentists and patients alike):

  • Bitewing X-rays: These x-rays are great for the upper and lower teeth. Especially in a specific area in your mouth where it can help detect tooth decay between your teeth. Many patients describe this type of x-ray as slightly uncomfortable - especially when they bite down on the wing device that will help take accurate x-ray photos of your teeth.
  • Periapical X-rays: This type of x-ray captures the entire tooth, from the crown to the root. It is used to identify problems including infections, abscesses, and bone changes. These will be typical for when you are dealing with regular dental issues. They can also come in handy whenever you are in the process of getting dental work completed. Especially when you are monitoring any bone healing that occurs with certain procedures such as dental implants.
  • Panoramic X-rays: This is aimed at providing a broad view of the entire mouth. This includes the teeth, upper and lower jaws, sinuses, and other surrounding structures. The panoramic x-rays will be great for dentists who are looking out for any issues that may arise not only in your teeth, but also the structure surrounding it. This will be useful to determine whether certain procedures such as sinus lifts are needed.

These three x-ray types are quite different. Each one serves a common purpose - to make sure your teeth are well taken care of under the surface. Regardless, they prove that x-rays are a great diagnostic tool for your dentist.

The Safety of Dental X-Rays

If you are wondering what kind of safety measures are taken for dental x-rays, we’ll be taking a look at the following list below. Here are some things to know:

Radiation exposure

Dental x-rays do involve exposure to ionizing radiation, which can potentially be harmful. However, the amount of radiation emitted during a dental x-ray is extremely low. In fact, dental x-rays will have the lowest radiation doses of all medical imaging procedures used today. There are technological advancements that have further reduced the radiation levels. As a result, these dental x-rays are designed to be much safer than before.

Regulatory guidelines

The American Dental Association (ADA) and the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have established guidelines and recommendations to ensure the safe use of dental x-rays. These guidelines focus on minimizing radiation exposure by using the lowest possible radiation dose while obtaining the necessary diagnostic information. Dentists and medical facilities must follow regulations and safety guidelines. This is designed to ensure that the patient is safe and doesn’t deal with any adverse effects from radiation. If you have any concerns about x-ray safety, know that dentists in Boise are following strict guidelines developed with the patient’s safety in mind.

Lead aprons and collars

During dental x-rays, patients are typically provided with lead aprons and collars to minimize radiation exposure to other parts of the body. These protective measures serve as an additional safety precaution and further reduce any potential risks. You are required to wear these apparatus pieces for the sake of your safety. In fact, this is the standard operation procedure of dental offices and other medical facilities.

Children and pregnant women

Special precautions are taken for children and pregnant women to minimize radiation exposure. Lead aprons and collars are used. X-rays are only taken when absolutely necessary and with the appropriate shielding. If you have a child or a pregnant woman, please mention this to your doctor regarding x-rays. X-rays are a necessity, but special steps will be taken when the need arises.

Get your dental checkup done today!

If you are due for a dental visit, let Times Square Dental help. We believe that your safety is paramount. When x-rays are being performed, we’ll make sure that they are done safely and with no radiation issues. We now live in an age where dental x-rays are safe and effective. However, the necessary safety precautions will always still be in place. If you need a dental checkup, Time Square Dental is ready to hear from you!

Call today for an appointment at 208-314-1901 or contact us online.