The Importance of Dental X-Rays

The technology of dental medicine is advancing by the minute. There are now sophisticated techniques for diagnosing and tracking oral cancer, correcting crooked teeth in less than a year, treating periodontitis (advanced gum disease) without surgery, and much more. Yet, when it comes down to diagnosing issues and creating an effective treatment plan, nothing beats a fresh set of X-rays. Dr. Ryan Holmes uses dental X-rays to see the whole picture, in order to keep your teeth healthy, bright, and beautiful.

What Are X-Rays?

X-rays have been around since 1895, when Wilhelm Conrad Röntgen first discovered that his cathode ray tube could penetrate black paper and cast shadows of solid objects. X-rays are on a shorter wavelength than visible light and pass through soft tissue in the human body, providing a detailed picture of what’s going on inside. Without X-rays, the treatment of everything from cavities to broken bones to cancer would be much more difficult. Beyond medicine and science, X-rays have useful applications across many fields.

Why Do I Need X-Rays?

The first step with every new dental patient is a thorough examination and a set of X-rays, or dental radiographs. Although looking in your mouth and checking for plaque, tartar, and gum irregularities is a great start, X-rays are the key to diagnosing problems and designing the best course of treatment. Here are some of the reasons Holmes Family & Cosmetic Dentistry performs dental X-rays:

• To detect tooth decay, jawbone damage, and injuries to tooth roots
• To observe the position of teeth and locate any crowding or impacted teeth
• To make sure children’s permanent teeth are growing properly
• To check for cysts, tumors, or abscesses
• To plan and coordinate treatment for severe cavities, root canals, dental implants, extractions, and orthodontics

Are Dental X-Rays Safe?

Dr. Ryan Holmes understands why many people have concerns about radiation. However, dental X-rays use an insignificant amount of radiation in a small and controlled area. According to the American Dental Association, a set of two to four bitewing X-rays (for back teeth) represent a 0.005 millisievert (mSv, a unit of radiation) exposure. The average American is exposed to 3.2 mSv of environmental radiation each year. That means you would have to have about 600 sets of X-rays just to equal the level of natural exposure. Even so, the team at Holmes Family & Cosmetic Dentistry cares for our patients’ health with the best practices in minimizing radiation exposure, such as using lead aprons, high-quality technology, quick exposures, and selective imaging techniques. If you would like to see what dental X-rays can reveal about your smile, give us a call today!

The content of this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.