Many people are wary of having x-rays taken at their dental office, but there are sound reasons for having them taken. First of all,most offices now have digital x-rays which lowers the level of radiation significantly. It also has the added benefits of being available to adjust the images and to share them immediately with the patient. Lead aprons are always worn in order to protect the organs.
X-rays are necessary because the dentist can only see so much with the naked eye. An x-ray provides information on the depth of decay, any cavities that may be starting between the teeth, any missing or extra teeth, crooked roots, cysts, and infection. Generally x-rays are taken at your yearly check-up appointment with your dentist, but you may need one of a specific area if you are experiencing discomfort or pain. A proper diagnosis cannot be given without an x-ray.
One other kind of x-ray, taken every 3-5 years, is a panoramic x-ray. This shows your entire mouth in one picture, including your sinuses, and upper and lower jaw, and provides a baseline for the overall health of your mouth.
What are the dangers? Obviously radiation is the concern, but it’s important to realize that radiation is all around us. We are exposed to it everywhere we go. It is in our bodies, the soil, rocks, plants,foods, and cosmic rays. The estimated dose from 2 dental x-rays is the equivalent of 0.3 days worth of background radiation. For an interesting list of 10 things that are radioactive, click here.
