Dental x-rays are a critical piece of information that we use to provide our patients with the best care for their oral health. They help us to see where our eyes cannot. We can see things like small areas of decay beginning, bone loss that could indicate periodontal disease, cysts/tumors in the jaw bone, infections at the tips of the roots, and tartar hiding below the gums. We know that dental x-rays are uncomfortable and that there is a concern about radiation dosages. Please know that we take our patients health and safety very seriously. Dental x-rays are prescribed by the Doctor only when absolutely necessary. Here are some interesting tidbits of information about them:
Digital X-rays
Hastings Family Dental Care uses all digital radiography. Digital radiographs require 80%-90% less radiation compared to the older traditional technique. Digital images are able to be read right away. Much like pictures we can take using our cell phones vs the “old days” cameras that required film to be developed. This allows the Dentist and Dental Hygienist to make their diagnosis right away.
Types of Dental X-rays and their Frequency
* Annual x-rays, also known as bitewing x-rays, are taken only of the back teeth including the molars and pre-molars. The reason for this is because the molars and pre-molars are very thick teeth. Front teeth are thinner. To evaluate them for decay we can shine a light through them and see a halo of darkness if there’s decay. Molars and pre-molars do not allow us to do that. Therefore, the only way to know if there is a cavity on a tooth in between the contacts, is to take an x-ray. This will allow us to catch a cavity when it’s small. Hopefully, preventing the need for a root canal, crown, or tooth removal.
* Every 5 years we take a full set of x-rays. These are use to see all 32 teeth, all of the bone surrounding the teeth, the jaw joints, sinuses, roots of the teeth, and more. We use these to check for periodontal disease, tooth decay, abscesses at the tips of the roots, cysts or tumors, arthritis, and to look for tartar below the gums. At Hastings Family Dental Care we alternate between two types of full sets. One is called a panoramic and the other is called a full mouth x-ray. The panoramic is one large picture and the full mouth x-ray is a series of 18 small images. (see examples below)
Panoramic X-ray
Full Mouth X-ray
Radiation Dosage
*It is a common misconception that the radiation from dental x-rays is unhealthy. Thanks to technology advances with digital radiography, dental radiographs are very safe. In fact the average person gets more radiation from the sun then they do from our dental radiographs. We make our patients heath and safety our top priority.
Mammogram 4.0 mSv
Chest X-ray 0.1 mSv
Flight from New York to LA 0.04mSv
Daily radiation exposure in nature 0.01 mSv
Dental X-ray 0.005 mSv
