PROCEDURES
Preventative Treatments: Dental X-rays
Dental radiographs (x-rays) are important preventive and diagnostic tools that provide valuable information not clinically visible during a dental exam. We use this information to safely and accurately detect hidden dental abnormalities that may otherwise go undetected.
Dental x-rays reveal:
- Abscesses or cysts
- Bone loss due to gum disease
- Tumors (cancerous and non-cancerous)
- Decay between teeth and under old restorations
- Developmental abnormalities
- Poor tooth and root positions
- Problems inside a tooth or below the gum line
Detecting and treating dental problems at an early stage saves you time, money, and unnecessary discomfort, not to mention your teeth!
Dental x-ray safety:
We are all exposed to “natural background radiation” from our environment. Since we use low radiation digital x-rays, thee amount of exposure from four bite-wing x-rays is equal to the amount of radiation a person receives in Colorado Springs in one day from natural sources.
How frequently should dental x-rays be taken?
The need for dental x-rays depends on each individual's oral health needs. We base our recommendations on a review of your medical and dental history, dental exam, signs and symptoms, age consideration, and risk for disease.
A panoramic(wrap around) x-ray is necessary every 5 years. This assures us that there are no undetected dental pathologies in the areas of your teeth and jaws.
Bite-wing x-rays are taken during our patient's recall maintenance cleanings and are generally recommended once or twice a year (case dependent) to detect early onset dental problems.
