When the average person thinks about dentistry, there are a few things that come to mind. The light, the bib, anesthetics, and for many people, the x-ray machines.
If you’ve ever had to get an x-ray from your dentist, you might wonder why that’s even necessary. It’s not needed often, but in some cases, it can be incredibly useful. If you’re wondering why that is, here’s what a good dental x-ray can do for you.
Why Are X-rays Necessary?
As good as your dentist is, there are quite a few issues that they can’t detect from the outside. For example, did you know that you can form cavities in between your teeth? So-called ”interdental tooth decay” often isn’t found until it becomes painful enough for the patient to notice.
Regular dental x-rays can catch interdental cavities before they become uncomfortable. There are many issues like this that aren’t visible from the outside but benefit from early detection. By getting regular x-rays, you can ensure that you’re staying in good oral health.
Are X-rays Safe?
X-rays use radiation to look deep inside your teeth, which makes many people concerned about the safety of the procedure. Fortunately, there isn’t anything to be worried about.
The radiation used in dental x-rays isn’t very powerful—odds are that you’re likely to experience more of it by just walking around outside. Your dentist will also be happy to give you a metal bib that can block out as much of the radiation as possible.
How Often Do I Need to Get X-rays?
X-rays used to be recommended fairly often, but nowadays, that’s thought to be overkill. The ADA recommends that otherwise healthy adults get a dental x-ray every few years at most.
Children, on the other hand, may need a dental x-ray much more often than that. If all of their permanent teeth haven’t come in yet, x-rays allow your dentist to check on their progress and head off any issues before the teeth actually sprout.
Ultimately, if your dentist says they’d like to take an x-ray, it’s probably a good idea to indulge them. As you can see, they can be incredibly helpful for your dentist.
About Our Practice
At Dental Group of Jefferson, we’re proud to be a dental practice that genuinely cares about our patients. We make use of the latest in dental technology to ensure that our patients are receiving the highest level, most efficient care possible. We’re also open by appointment on weekends, which means you don’t have to take time out of your busy work week to care for your teeth.
If you have any questions about dental x-rays, we can be reached at our website or by phone at (440) 576-7040.