Dental X-rays: benefits and risks
During examinations, dental professionals are only able to see a portion of the patient's tooth. This is where x-rays come in handy, as they help the dentist to examine the other areas of the tooth. However, some people are curious about the levels of radiation in dental x-rays and how they compare to other sources of exposure.
While man-made sources of radiation, such as medical imaging and nuclear power plants, are well-known, radiation is also present in our natural environment. Our bodies receive most of this natural radiation from radon in the air, outer space, and elements in the Earth. This natural radiation is called background radiation and is composed of small amounts of radiation that we are exposed to daily from the sun, soil, rocks, buildings, air and water. Fortunately, background radiation from both natural and man-made sources has not been proven to cause harm to humans, as our bodies can repair cellular damage from this level of radiation. According to an article from the University of Michigan School of Dentistry, dental x-rays emit very low levels of radiation, similar to the amount a person receives from natural background radiation in one day. In addition, the amount of radiation required for a dental x-ray has significantly reduced over the years and the total exposure is much lower than that which takes place in other common medical imaging methods, since dentists only take pictures of small areas.
Dental x-rays provide valuable information about a patient's oral health. They are essential for detecting dental problems in their early stages, making accurate diagnoses, developing customized treatment plans, and monitoring oral health, all of which are safe and non-invasive. Dental x-rays are a valuable tool for maintaining great oral health and preventing dental problems such as cavities, gum disease, and impacted teeth. In most cases, the benefits outweigh the risks.
At By The Lake Dental, all x-ray machines use digital technology, which decreases the radiation exposure by 70-90% and is very useful in determining the most efficient and effective treatment for maintaining good oral health.
Panoramic X-Ray
The Panoramic X-ray provides a comprehensive view of the mouth, from ear to ear to throat, and is useful in detecting issues like cavities, gum disease, abscesses, and bone loss.
Cepholometric X-Ray
The Cephalometric X-ray provides a side view of the patient's head and is used for orthodontic evaluations, wisdom teeth impaction, and periodontal disease diagnosis. It is also used to understand the growth pattern of children.
Intraoral X-Ray
Intraoral X-ray is used for simple assessments like detecting cavities and assessing bone density and filling integrity. It is quick and comfortable for patients.
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