Dental Xray

what can x-ray technology do for you?

With modern dental x-rays, dentists are able to detect dental problems before you even know they are there.

Toothaches still happen but if you follow the advice of your dentist and have routine check-ups including dental x-rays, you are less likely to experience one.

Not today...

Well, I wish I had X-ray vision but unfortunately my eyes are just not that good:)

The reason for having dental x-rays taken is to see problems before they are big enough to be visible.

Waiting until we see something or you feel pain is not a good strategy or best use of this amazing technology.

So why are some people saying no to dental x-rays?

One big reason is fear. What is "all this" radiation doing to me? With cancer on the rise, fear of too much radiation is completely understandable but not necessary when talking about dental x-rays taken only as recommended by the American Dental Asociation.

Recently, an episode of Doctor Oz raised both fear and doubt in the minds of some of my dental clients. His show brought attention to the increasing rate of thyroid cancer and cited dental x-rays as one possible cause.

Like Doctor Oz, I'm in favor of being careful and taking every precaution but I truly believe dental x-rays are safe. The thyroid can be completely covered while radiographs are taken.

What other factors are making dental radiographs a low priority?

• Cost
X-rays sometimes cost almost as much as a dental cleaning, take a fraction of the time and don't make your teeth feel any better. We all love a good bargain. Skipping this part of your exam seems like an easy way to save money but in the long run could end up doing just the opposite, costing you not only money but time in the dental chair.
• Pain
There is no doubt, xrays can be a little bit uncomfortable. If you have a small mouth or a strong gag reflex, you probably find this simple dental procedure to be a major pain. I sympathize with those who struggle to have dental X rays taken. One solution is to ask if the child sized sensor can be used. If that doesn't help, a panoramic dental x ray is another option.

Either way, I would still choose brief discomfort of dental x-rays over more severe pain of a toothache.

We've come a long way...

Even before digital, dental xray equipment took huge strides by changing the shape of the "camera". The xray camera used to be cone shaped making scatter radiation a concern.

Modern xray machines have a much more focused beam resulting in a greatly decreased amount of scatter radiation. Unlike other x-rays, Dental xrays are tightly focused on a very small part of your body...your teeth.

Dental xrays are safer than ever and are a vital part of good dental care. Refusing them is like asking your dentist to work in the dark. If you are still feeling over exposed, ask your dentist if your xrays can be taken less frequently.

Thanks to Doctor Oz for bringing attention to this important topic!

Return from dental xray to gum disease cure home page