Understanding Dental X-Rays
Have you ever wondered why us dentists are always suggesting we take routine xrays? even when you don't have any symptoms? If so, then please keep reading.
We all know that during a check-up appointment, the dentist will have a thorough look at your teeth and assess for any potential problems in the mouth. Unfortunately, dentists haven’t developed x-ray vision just yet, which is why taking x-rays, otherwise known as radiographs, is so important! The standard set of dental x-rays we take are called bitewings, and are normally done every 2 years. Without x-rays, we cannot see all of the teeth surfaces, and we cannot assess underneath old fillings. They are an important part of your examination visits, and go hand in hand with our clinical (visual) assessment.
Are dental x-rays safe?
Yes! Using state of the art digital technology, x-rays are quick to take and radiation exposure is very minimal. To put it into perspective, a 3.5-hour plane journey gives 10 times the dose of radiation as a bitewing radiograph, and only amounts to about one 3000th of your annual natural exposure. With this in mind, the benefits of taking x-rays every 2 years far outweigh any perceived health risks. Avoiding x-rays for an extended period of time can lead to undiagnosed cavities and other issues that are otherwise impossible to see during a clinical examination. These undiagnosed cavities will get larger over time if not treated, and can lead to infection and more complex treatment like root canals or extraction. Early cavities can often be painless until they become a bigger problem, so sometimes you may not even realise they are there without the help of x-rays!