At regular check-up exams, your visit with the dentist and hygienist will include several services, including X-rays if you haven’t had any within the last year to provide to Dr. Krueger. We will examine your x-rays, which is important for detection of decay, tumors, cysts and bone loss. X-rays also help determine tooth and root positions.
Are dental x-rays safe?
Dental x-rays produce a low level of radiation and are considered safe. Dentists take necessary precautions to limit the patient’s exposure to radiation when taking dental x-rays. These precautions include using lead apron shields to protect the body and using modern, digital sensors to reduce the exposure time of each x-ray. Digital x-ray sensors are much more sensitive to the x-rays than traditional film. As a result, your digital x-ray examination results in about half the dental radiation exposure as compared to a traditional x-rays taken with regular film.
How often should dental x-rays be taken?
The need for dental x-rays depends on each patient’s individual dental health needs. Your dentist and dental hygienist will recommend necessary x-rays based on the review of your medical and dental history, dental exam, condition of existing dental work, age consideration and risk for disease.
A full mouth series of dental x-rays is recommended for new patients. A full series is usually good for three to five years. Bite-wing x-rays (x-rays of top and bottom teeth biting together) are taken at recall (check-up) visits and are recommended once or twice a year to detect new dental problems.