If you have been to the dentist you may have gotten an X-ray. An X-ray provides the dentist with images of the interior portions of your teeth and gums. These can be used to comprehensively evaluate your oral health when combined with a physical examination. Below you will find more information, including the purpose of dental X-rays.
The Purpose of Dental X-Rays
Dental X-rays are a major source of information for dentists. They provide images of the inside of your teeth and gums, which can help your dentist evaluate the state of your oral health. X-rays can help identify issues such as tooth decay, impacted teeth, and cavities. If your dentist recommends an X-ray, it’s important to get one. The state of your oral health can have an impact on your overall health. Maintaining good oral health can reduce your risk of dental and other health-related issues.
Getting Regular Dental X-rays
While each person’s dental care is unique to their own needs, it is generally recommended that you get an X-ray at least once a year. Dentists also recommend getting regular dental checkups at least every six months. Patients usually get X-rays at one of their two yearly dental checkups. It is important to talk with your dentist in Chino Hills about when and how often you should visit the dentist for a routine checkup and how often you should get an X-ray.
The Importance of Dental X-rays
Due to the amount of information X-rays can provide dentists, it’s important to follow your dentist’s instructions on how frequently you should get one. Below are some of the factors that may impact how often you need to get an X-ray.
- Age: older patients need to get X-rays more often due to age-related dental risks, such as dry mouth and gum disease
- Current Dental Issues: X-rays need to be taken more frequently for patients who currently have symptoms of a serious dental issue
- Gum Disease: Patients who have gum disease (or a history of gum disease) need to get X-rays more often to address the signs of gum disease as early as possible
- Children: Because children’s teeth rapidly change throughout childhood, children need to get X-rays more often to monitor their oral health and development
Dental X-ray Safety
The benefits of X-rays outweigh any risks associated with them. Dental X-rays do involve some radiation. However, the exposure level is very low and considered to be safe for both children and adults. Modern advancements in technology have made it even safer.
Many dentist’s opt for digital X-rays as the risk is even lower than prior X-ray technology. You will also wear a lead “bib” on the front of your body. This protects the vital organs in your chest, abdomen, and pelvic regions. The cover helps prevent unnecessary exposure to radiation. For those who have thyroid issues, you can also get a lead collar to cover your neck during the X-ray.
Pregnant Women and X-rays
Women who are pregnant or believe they are pregnant should not get an X-ray. Even though the risk of harm to your unborn child is very small, there is still a risk. For routine dental visits, it is recommended that you skip the X-ray if you are pregnant. Talk with your dentist to see what they suggest about how you can keep your oral health in good shape during pregnancy.
Dental X-rays
If you need to schedule a dental appointment, contact the team at Dental Care of Chino Hills. You can schedule your regular dental checkup and also get dental x-rays in Chino Hills. Contact their office today to schedule an appointment!