Are Dental X-Rays Safe? Learn Why They’re Used So Frequently by Dentists
If you’ve been to the dentist in the last decade then you’ve likely gotten dental x-rays. They are a very important part of our dental practice yet many patients aren’t sure how safe they really are. Read on to learn why they’re safe and why we use them at California Dental Group. Then call us at (800) 407-0161 to schedule an appointment.
Don’t let the term “radiation” scare you
X-rays do involve radiation. When most people hear the word ‘radiation’ they don’t think of positive things. The truth is that not all radiation is the same. Remember that even the sun gives off radiation – you are exposed to it every time you leave your home. Yes, radiation can cause damage to your body’s cells but the radiation in dental x-rays is extremely low. You would have to get dental x-rays all day every day for years to get enough radiation to even possibly harm you.
We will provide maximum protection
As an extra level of protection, when you come to California Dental Group for your dental exam, we will cover you with a lead apron. This helps to prevent your body from absorbing radiation. You can trust that we would not do these x-rays if we didn’t feel confident that they were safe. After all, our staff are around x-rays every day.
How often you need x-rays will vary based on your unique needs
Generally speaking, the first time you visit California Dental Group, we will do a full set of x-rays. This gives us a chance to see the full profile of your teeth – both inside and out. It will also act as a reference point the next time we see you. Depending on your oral health and other conditions, you may need x-rays at every six-month exam, or you may need them only every few years. How often your insurance allows them may also affect how frequently we do them.
Some people need dental x-rays more than others
Some people will need x-rays more often than others. For example, a child has a mouth that’s still developing. As a result, we’ll likely take x-rays more often. If you have a lot of dental work, then we may take x-rays more often because decay can hide under that dental work. Smokers are at a higher risk of gum disease, and thus may get x-rays more often. Finally, people who have gum disease are at a higher risk for bone loss. As a result, they may get more frequent x-rays.
Make an appointment for your dental exam today
As you can see, dental x-rays are safe. If you still have questions or are worried about their safety, please reach out to California Dental Group at (800) 407-0161. You can also call us to make an appointment. X-rays are very helpful to quickly and easily show us issues that may need to be addressed but we have other methods of doing so as well. Regardless, it’s important to get regular dental exams.
