Dental Radiographs

Dental radiographs are a valuable technology for helping to diagnose and treat a variety of oral health conditions. They provide a detailed view of the teeth and jawbones that are not visible to the naked eye. For example, they can help spot cavities, fractures, cysts, impacted teeth, infections, and leaking restorations. They can also help determine whether there’s any abnormal growth in the bones surrounding the teeth, which could be a sign of malignancy (cancer).

This level of detail can help us identify problems early on, so they can be treated before they become more serious.

The process of taking dental radiographs is quick and painless—the patient sits in a chair, and a protective apron is placed over their body to shield them from the x-ray radiation. A small x-ray machine is positioned near the patient’s mouth, and a bite block is used to hold the film or sensor.

We then activate the x-ray machine, which produces a brief burst of electromagnetic radiation (which is absorbed by denser materials, such as bones and teeth) that passes through the teeth and creates an image on the film. The film is then developed, and we examine the resulting image to identify potential issues.

There are several key benefits to using dental radiographs. Here are three ways that traditional digital x-rays can benefit your oral health:

1.  Radiographs help detect problems early: Dental problems often do not show any symptoms in the early stages. This means that you may not be aware that you have a problem until it is too late to treat it effectively. Traditional digital x-rays can help detect problems such as tooth decay, bone loss, infection, and tumors in the early stages, when they are most easily treated. This not only saves you time and discomfort, but it also saves money in the long run.
2. Radiographs help plan treatment: Once a problem has been detected, X-rays can help us plan and prepare for dental procedures, such as fillings, root canals, and implants. Because they provide a view of the structures below the surface of the teeth, we can develop a more accurate treatment plan and ensure that the procedure is as successful as possible.
3. Dental radiographs are safe: Dental x-rays use a very small amount of radiation to create images of the teeth and jawbone. The amount of radiation exposure from a traditional dental x-ray is very low, making them safe for adults and children. Taking four bitewings during your exam has an effective dose of 5.0 µSv. This is the same as exposure from 1 day of natural background radiation or a 1-2 hr flight. Compare that to a single medical chest x-ray, which has an effective dose of 100 µSv.