Without dental x-rays, any problem that isn't visible could go unnoticed and cause potentially serious dental problems, such as tooth decay. Your dentist may see some gum problems, but can't see the inside of the gum itself. They can't see the inside of the tooth bone. The American Dental Association recommends that healthy adults with no apparent significant dental problems only need to have x-rays every 2 to 3 years.
However, the ADA suggests that patients with recurrent tooth decay or other oral complications have x-rays taken once or twice a year. Complete x-rays are used as part of preparation for many dental procedures. This includes extractions or dental planning. If you're over 30 and have never had a tooth decay, you probably won't need those x-rays every year.
However, if you seem to have cavities every time you go to the dentist, you may need them every six months to detect problems early. A general rule of thumb is to take bite x-rays every year, do a series with a full mouth every three to six years, and a panorex every three to six years. Having these films allows us to see between the teeth, the roots of the teeth and the surrounding structures at a reasonable interval to avoid surprises. Although you may not have dental x-rays done at every visit, you should get them when recommended.
They will help your dentist provide personalized care, detect and treat problems early, and maintain a healthy smile. Dental x-rays help dentists visualize diseases of the teeth and surrounding tissue that cannot be seen with a simple oral exam. They also help the dentist find and treat dental problems early on, which can help you save money, unnecessary discomfort, and maybe even your life. The skeletal-type images produced by x-rays allow the Reston dentist to see your oral health from the inside and can help identify problems that cannot be seen only with a visual or manual dental exam.
For example, your dentist will be able to see the areas between your teeth and under a filling using a dental x-ray. While some people need x-rays more frequently, current guidelines require that x-rays be performed only when necessary for clinical diagnosis. Exposure to all sources of radiation, such as the sun, minerals in the earth, household appliances and dental x-rays, can damage tissues and cells in the body and cause the development of cancer. X-rays can also detect cavities that may develop during a previous dental restoration, such as a crown or filling.
Dental x-rays are most commonly used to help diagnose cavities and cavities when they are still small and easy to treat. Dentists use x-rays to accurately assess your dental health, especially when it comes to areas that aren't visible to the naked eye. We understand that there may be some concerns surrounding the use of dental x-rays and exposure to radiation. iSmile Dental Care has dental offices in Northern Virginia, including Manassas, Reston, Gainesville, Fairfax, and Herndon.
Dental Associates of Basking Ridge is a compassionate, friendly and professional state-of-the-art dental office serving Basking Ridge, Morris & of Somerset County. In fact, research by the Kois Dental Education Center shows that four bitten x-rays emit only 0.005 mSv (millisieverts) of radiation. Instead of showing X-ray film in a dark room, x-rays are sent directly to a computer and can be viewed on the screen, stored, or printed. .
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