The idea of getting dental x-rays may worry you. You’ve probably heard a lot on the news or from other sources about how important it is to avoid radiation. While it is true that x-rays require the use of radiation, there is no need to refuse x-rays when your Carmel dentist recommends them. In fact, x-rays are a very safe and useful medical diagnostic tool. Would you like to learn more about dental x-rays and their benefits?
How Dental X-Rays Work
The concept behind x-rays is fairly simple. The x-ray machine will emit radiation, and your bones and teeth absorb more radiation than the surrounding tissue. The resulting image lets your dentist in Carmel see things that he or she wouldn’t be able to spot during a visual examination.
Some of the things that an x-ray may reveal include:
- Tooth decay beneath existing fillings.
- Bone infections.
- Cysts or abscesses.
- Periodontal disease.
- Certain types of tumors.
Dental x-rays may be especially important for children because their jaws and teeth are still developing, and the x-ray can detect abnormalities in that development. X-rays are also essential for adults who are experiencing dental problems.
Are Dental X-Rays Really Safe?
The chances that you’ll experience negative effects from dental x-rays are very low. There are a few reasons for this:
- Your dentist will take precautions to minimize your exposure to radiation. For example, you’ll wear a leaded apron. You might also wear a leaded collar to protect your thyroid.
- Modern dental equipment does not require the use of a lot of radiation. Digital x-rays, like the ones used by Indy Dental Group, use even less radiation than normal x-rays.
- X-ray technology lets the dentist focus the radiation on a specific part of your mouth, minimizing radiation exposure to other areas.
However, while dental x-rays are very useful and generally safe, keep in mind that radiation is cumulative over your lifetime. This means that if you can avoid having frequent x-rays, you should do so. Your Carmel dentist is well-acquainted with x-rays and the associated risks, so you can work with your dentist to make the decision that is best for your oral health.
What to Expect During a Dental X-Ray
The dental x-ray procedure is simple and pain-free. First, you’ll put on a lead apron. Then, a dental professional will put a small plastic apparatus into your mouth. You’ll bite down on the apparatus while the x-ray is being taken. Lastly, the person taking the extra will use the x-ray equipment to capture an image of your mouth.
Dental x-rays can help your dentist take great care of your mouth. They’re safe and pain-free, so there is no reason to refuse them when they become necessary.
About the Author
The Indy Dental Group has four locations in the Indianapolis area, each of which is designed to provide the best dental care to patients. The Carmel location was built by Dr. Miller, a co-founder of the Indy Dental Group. If you have questions or concerns about dental x-rays, you can get in touch with the Carmel office via the website or by phone at 317-571-1900.