X-rays are an important part of diagnosing medical and dental problems and helping to treat them, whether you are going to the doctor for a medical issue or going to the dentist for a checkup or for a cosmetic procedure. But if you spend a lot of time at the doctor or dentist, you may be wondering: how many x-rays are too many? Can they be harmful? Are they really necessary? Read on for some important information about x-rays.
Why do I have to get dental x-rays?
Dental problems can occur between and underneath teeth – that’s why x-rays are so important. They can catch problems that can’t be seen with just a visual examination, such as decay between teeth or underneath a filling, bone loss that can indicate gum disease, an infection of the tooth root (an abscess), and more serious problems such as tumors. If you need implants, dentures, or braces, an x-ray will be needed so that your dentist can make a treatment plan for you.
Are x-rays safe?
Dental x-rays have very low doses of radiation and are considered to be extremely safe. The radiation is considered to be minor compared with the radiation people are exposed to everyday, such as the sun, a natural source of radiation.
The amount of radiation is so small that dental x-rays are also considered very safe for children – and x-rays for younger people are very important, so that their dentist can check on how the teeth and jaw are developing, as well as making sure that there is going to be enough room for incoming teeth, and to make sure those teeth are coming in correctly.
Dental x-rays are a safe and vital part of the dental exam, but at the office of Dr. Samuel Jirik, they are not the only kind of technology used to help patients have healthy smiles. The I-CAT In-Office Dental CT scanner and digital radiography are only two more state-of-the-art technologies that the staff uses to ensure you are getting the best care possible. Call the Cabot, Arkansas, office at (501) 843-9561 to make an appointment today.