Understanding Dental X-rays

Why do Aurora-area dentists and other dental practitioners take dental X-rays? While getting a dental X-ray done may be an uncomfortable experience for the patient, they provide the dentist with a lot of valuable information. X-rays are the only way for a dentist to see the extent of tooth decay, the position of nerves, roots or crooked teeth, wisdom teeth, areas of possible bone loss, and cysts, tumors, or impacted teeth. Dental X-rays help the dentist discover the minutest cracks or splits in the teeth or bones and may even be required to identify a person later on.

Most Aurora dental practices use X-ray equipment every day.

The method of producing an X-ray generally requires the patient to wear a lead vest. The dental hygienist or dental assistant then places a little cardboard or plastic container inside the patient’s mouth, adjusts it into proper position, and requests them to hold it in position by biting hard on it. This can be uncomfortable for the patient, but it is over in a few seconds. The X-ray plates are developed and mounted for the dentist to evaluate.

But why the lead vest?

Experts suggest that patients should be kept safe from the radiation involved in dental X-rays by means of a protective screen. Most Aurora dentists supply vests equipped with a thyroid collar which covers the throat and protects the thyroid glands from any exposure. Realistically, the amount of radiation from a dental X-ray is inconsiderable and nothing to be concerned about. Most states have stringent rules regarding dental X-rays, insisting that professionals use the minimum level of X-rays required to acquire good quality images.

Is there any recommended routine for people to get dental X-rays done?

Actually, there are federal recommendations for people with both low and high risks of dental decay to have X-rays taken. The Federal Drug Administration recommends an X-ray every two-three years for people less prone to tooth decay, and once every year or eighteen months for people at higher risk of tooth decay. Aurora dentists, as a rule, order X-rays during a routine dental examination.

Recent progress in the field of dental X-rays includes the use of digital radiography, which completely negates the requirement of cardboard or plastic film plates. Some Aurora dentists have already taken advantage of this new technology.

The developing trends in body piercing, including those of the lip, tongue, cheek and nose may interfere with the results of an X-ray. Patients with braces, bridges, retainers, dentures etc. are also unlikely to have certain kinds of dental X-rays taken.

There are quite a few types of dental X-rays that are used for different medical investigations. Each of them focuses on a separate area of the mouth as well as the palate, sinuses and the nasal passages.They do this in order to review all of the areas potentially affected by dental and oral health.