Dental X-rays, also known as dental imaging, is a critical diagnostic tool in dental treatment. They play an essential role in preventive care. They allow dentists to detect the root cause of many oral health issue in the early stage.
What are Dental X-Rays?
As the name suggests, they are a type of electromagnetic radiation that can pass through most solid objects like teeth and create a picture of internal structure of oral parts, such as gum, tissues, and teeth.
Uses of Dental X-Rays
Dental x-rays help dentists in the following ways:
- Identify cavities
- Evaluate tooth root health
- Diagnose periodontal disease
- Monitor developing teeth
- Evaluate overall tooth health
- Check previous dental work (fillings, root canals, etc.)
What are different types of X-rays?
Here is a detailed list of dental X-ray types:
- Periapical
- Bite-Wing
- Panoramic
- Occlusal
- 3D imaging
What is the Dental X-Ray Process?
Before conducting the dental x-ray process, patients typically bite down on a small plastic holder. This is done to keep the X-ray film in place.
Then, For panoramic x-rays, a machine rotates around the head to capture a full image of the mouth. In many clinics like Davis Dentistry, they have sophisticated X-rays provide detailed information for complex procedures that includes wisdom tooth extraction, sleep apnea treatment , or dental implant in Murfreesboro.
Is it safe to get dental X-rays every year?
Excessive exposure of X-rays are not considered good for patients and that is the reason patients have genuine concern. Dental x-rays are considered very safe for both adults and children every year.
In a single dose of radiation, the exposure is just equivalent to about 0.5 millirem. However, the federal occupational limit for annual radiation exposure is 5,000 millirems.
At Davis Dentistry, we’re extremely careful about using dental X-rays and its exposure. We take all prescribed standard guidelines for safety precautions, such as American Dental Association to limit exposure to unnecessary radiation.
What are the risks of not getting regular dental X-rays?
Put simply, not getting regular dental X-rays can lead to several significant risks for oral health. This may lead to late diagnosis of many dental issues, such as cavities and gum disease.
They may remain undetected and not visible during routine examinations of mouth. This may lead to delayed treatment and by the time they are detected, oral conditions might worsen potentially leading to more invasive and expensive dental procedure.
Therefore, ignoring routine X-rays annually can increase treatment costs and patient discomfort, as untreated issues often necessitate emergency visits and aggressive interventions. Hence, dental X-ray has multiple benefits.
How often should we get dental X-ray?
The frequency of dental X-rays may depend on the personal health needs individual, age, and dental history. According to the American Dental Association (ADA), most patients should get new X-ray at least once in every twelve months.
However, for people whose teeth are healthy and who do not have dental problems recently, then X-ray might be needed every twenty-four to thirty-six months.
At this age group, X-ray can be required between six and twelve months for children as well as teenagers with a history of cavities that have developed in their teeth during their childhood days.
Adults suffering multiple fillings or suffering from gum disease will require more frequent scans probably every six to twelve months. Thus, at last your dentist will recommend what is best for you considering the status of your mouth and everything else affecting it thus taking care not to overuse X-rays while trying to keep your gums healthy.
Dental X-ray treatment plan
A dental X-ray treatment plan depends on X-rays to identify and monitor dental issues, that allows dentists to create customized treatment plans. Types include bitewing, periapical, and panoramic X-rays. Each of these types of dental X-rays serve specific diagnostic purposes. Frequency varies based on individual health, with children needing more frequent X-rays than adults with good oral health.
What is the cost of dental X-rays in Murfreesboro?
This is difficult to says as dental X-ray cost depends in Murfreesboro depends on various factors that includes on the type of X-ray and the dental practice. However, the exact figures cannot be provided, the cost may range between $5 to $20 per X-ray, based on the complexity and type of imaging required.
Choosing a Dentist in Murfreesboro
If you’re looking for a family dentist in Murfreesboro, you can consider Davis Dentistry. We offer a wide range of general dentistry, cosmetic and orthodontist solutions.
Additionally, if you’re only looking for dental X-ray consultation in Murfreesboro area, contact us.
For more information about our services, please visit our website and book appointment.
