Diagnostic tools in the form of X-rays have been used for centuries. These are accurate enough to reveal details hidden from the naked eye. Dental X-rays are types of X-rays used to study the oral cavity and area surrounding it to detect
Dental X-rays offered by the dentist in Berkley, CA, and their team are accurate enough to detect oral diseases and other pathologies that help in designing an appropriate treatment plan.
What are dental X-rays?
Dental X-rays are effective tools that are utilized to capture internal images of your teeth and surrounding tissues. These are excellent diagnostic tools that help dentists examine the structures that are not visible during a routine checkup.
Dental X-rays make use of special electromagnetic radiation to capture images of your mouth that can easily penetrate through the soft tissues to create images of the teeth and the surrounding tissues.
When is a dental X-ray indicated?
Dental X-rays are often recommended to:
- Study the tooth and root morphology, which is not visible through the naked eye.
- Evaluate the dental cavities, especially if the decay involves small areas between the teeth (interdental areas)
- Detect secondary caries beneath existing restorations
- Measure the amount of bone loss
- Identify the areas of infection
- Assess the exact position of third molars and related conditions like impaction
- Detect tooth abscesses, cysts, and tumors (abnormal tissue growth)
- Determine your eligibility for dental prostheses like:
- Dental implants
- Braces
- Dentures
- Assess the healing process after dental procedures like bone grafting and root canal therapy.
Are dental X-rays safe?
Dental X-rays are considered to be safe since the amount of radiation exposure from a full mouth series of X-rays is equal to the amount that you may receive in a single day from natural sources. This could be through your smartphones, computers, or television screens.
However, dentists can take necessary precautions to limit your exposure to radiation through:
- Lead aprons to shield your body
- Modern and fast films to cut down the exposure time
The frequency of dental X-rays depends on your individual dental health needs. You will be advised to have an X-ray only if it is necessary based on the review of your medical history, oral examination, symptoms, age considerations, and risk factors for the disease.
Summary
Dental X-rays are excellent diagnostic tools to detect dental pathologies. These are safe and effective when all the necessary precautions have been taken by the dentist.