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Dentists actively use x-ray imaging to diagnose underlying problems in the teeth. The choice of using x-ray imaging is governed by the fact that this method gives a cross dimensional view of not only the affected tooth/teeth but also the surrounding areas.
What Are Dental X-Rays Be Used For?
Dental X-Rays can be used to detect the following dental problems:
* Abscesses, cysts or solid growths
* Early decay
* Bone loss from gum disease
* Teeth which are not fully or undeveloped (impacted teeth), or are not in the right place.
* To formulate a course of action for treatments like Root Canal Therapy, treatment of small or big cavities, and figure out the placement of dental implants.
* To figure out how to carry orthodontic treatment (teeth which are not lined up straight).
Dental X-ray- How Is It Taken?
Dental patients need to visit the dentist's clinic in order to get a dental x-ray done. It is usually a two-step process and can be done in a matter of few minutes. The method is not at all painful and is done in the following manner:
1. The dental patient is made to wear a protective lead apron. This works as a shield for the remaining parts of the body. Only the area to be imaged is left open to exposure.
2. Once the safety measures are in place a dental technician place a strip of undeveloped film in between the teeth to be imaged.
3. Finally, the x-ray machine (a source of x-ray radiation) is brought closer to the to-be-imaged area and switched on. X-ray are allowed to irradiate the portion for a couple of seconds and then withdrawn immediately. The film is then sent for processing.
Is It Safe To Get A Dental X-Ray Done?
Popular perception about radiation is that it is harmful to health. In reality the fact is that small doses of radiation pose no (or minimal) danger to human health. The human body can easily recover from the effects of these extremely small doses of radiation. However, if women patients are pregnant then they should inform their dentists of their pregnancy. Extra protection can be given to them if it is required.
How Often Should I Get A Dental X-ray Done?
Individuals who have no dental problems and are not facing a risk of cavities should get bitewing x-ray done according to the following classification:
Children: Every 1 to 2 years
Teens: Every 1½ to 3 years
Adults: Every 2 to 3 years
Individuals who are at an early or advanced risk of dental problems should get x-ray done according to the following classification:
Children: Every 6 months until no tooth decay is seen.
Teens: Every 6 to 12 months until no tooth decay is seen.
Adults: Every 1 to 1½ years.
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