Dental radiographs (X-rays) are essential, preventative, diagnostic tools that provide valuable information not visible during a regular dental exam. Dentists and dental hygienists use this information to safely and accurately detect hidden dental abnormalities and complete an accurate treatment plan. Without X-rays, problem areas may go undetected.
Dental X-rays may reveal:
- Abscesses or cysts.
- Bone loss.
- Cancerous and non-cancerous tumors.
- Decay between the teeth.
- Developmental abnormalities.
- Poor tooth and root positions.
- Problems inside a tooth or below the gum line.
Detecting and treating dental problems at an early stage can save you time, money, unnecessary discomfort, and your teeth!
Are dental X-rays safe?
We are all exposed to natural radiation in our environment. The amount of radiation exposure from a full mouth series of X-rays is equal to the amount a person receives in a single day from natural sources.
Dental X-rays produce a low level of radiation and are considered safe. Dentists take necessary precautions to limit the patient’s exposure to radiation when taking dental X-rays.  These precautions include using lead apron shields to protect the body and using modern, fast film that cuts down the exposure time of each X-ray.
How often should dental X-rays be taken?
The need for dental X-rays depends on each patient’s individual dental health needs. Your dentist and dental hygienist will recommend necessary x-rays based on the review of your medical and dental history, dental exam, signs and symptoms, age consideration, and risk for disease.
A full mouth series of dental X-rays is recommended for new patients. A full series is usually good for three to five years.  Bite-wing X-rays (X-rays of top and bottom teeth biting together) are taken at recall (check-up) visits and are recommended once or twice a year to detect new dental problems.
Dental radiographs (X-rays) are essential, preventative, diagnostic tools that provide valuable information not visible during a regular dental exam. Dentists and dental hygienists use this information to safely and accurately detect hidden dental abnormalities and complete an accurate treatment plan. Without X-rays, problem areas may go undetected.
Dental X-rays may reveal:
- Abscesses or cysts.
- Bone loss.
- Cancerous and non-cancerous tumors.
- Decay between the teeth.
- Developmental abnormalities.
- Poor tooth and root positions.
- Problems inside a tooth or below the gum line.
Sac Dentist is a proud adopter of advanced technologies. These technologies help and complement our talented team members. They allow us to provide the best possible care to you and your family. Dental X-rays are among our many diagnostic services, and we're pleased to answer some of the questions that patients commonly ask us about this cornerstone of dentistry.
How do dental X-rays work?
We use electromagnetic radiation to take X-rays. This energy is applied as a beam through the soft tissues, resulting in images of teeth, bones, and structures of the face, mouth, and jaws. Traditional X-rays use special films and processing techniques to render images of areas that are not visible with the unaided eye.
Should I be concerned about radiation exposure?
Absolutely not. We take precautions to minimize radiation exposure at every step, including placing a lead apron over you before applying the film and taking the X-ray image. We also use only the most modern and fast films to reduce the exposure time associated with each X-ray.
Do I need X-rays at every dental check-up?
No. It depends on factors such as what we find during an exam and whether you are "due" for an X-ray. Even if you would not normally be overdue, X-rays may be ordered if we find new problems or concerns during the exam portion of your six-month check-up.
Why do I need X-rays regularly if my mouth is healthy?
Well, you may think that your teeth and gums are perfectly healthy, but there may be problems that require prompt care lurking beneath the surface. That's because many oral problems are often "silent"; they do not cause symptoms until the underlying condition has progressed. For instance, gum disease may not produce noticeable pain, bleeding, and inflammation until it has advanced. By this time, irreparable damage to the soft and hard tissues may have occurred. To stay ahead of the damage, it's largely recommended to have bitewing X-rays during one or two check-up(s) each year. A full-mouth series (FMS/FMX) of X-rays is typically done every three to five years.
What are bitewing X-rays?
"Bitewings" are taken when you bite down and the opposing teeth in the upper and lower jaw touch. This type of X-ray provides helpful insights into the visible parts of the teeth and a portion of the roots and supportive bone. We use such insightful information to detect decay between the teeth and anomalies associated with gum disease in the jawbone.
And what is FMS/FMX?
This refers to a complete set of X-rays taken intraorally or inside the mouth. These X-rays produce images of the teeth and adjacent hard tissues. The many images associated with a complete set can uncover potential problems or changes that may require intervention, from tooth decay below restorations like fillings to the loss of bone in the jaw.
What is done with the results from my X-rays?
X-rays are a helpful communication tool. We can review them with you to point out trouble areas. That way, patients like you better understand what is happening inside your mouth and why we may recommend certain services, treatments, or adjustments to home care. Rest assured that any information regarding your health is stored securely and can be retrieved to monitor your changing oral health during check-ups and assess how well any treatments may be working.
How often should dental X-rays be taken?
The need for dental X-rays depends on each patient’s individual dental health needs. Your dentist and dental hygienist will recommend necessary x-rays based on the review of your medical and dental history, dental exam, signs and symptoms, age consideration, and risk for disease. A full mouth series of dental X-rays is recommended for new patients. A full series is usually good for three to five years. Bite-wing X-rays (X-rays of top and bottom teeth biting together) are taken at recall (check-up) visits and are recommended once or twice a year to detect new dental problems.
