Learn About the Importance of Dental X-Rays and the Safety of Them Too
Do you recall the first time you had your teeth x-rayed? It was most likely a long time ago, when you were a young child. For the most part, this is the case. And if your parents were not the sort to explain things to you, it was probably all a bit perplexing. We’ll merely strap a hefty vest around your waist, stuff some hard plastic into your lips, and point a large camera-like gadget at your face. Isn’t it just another dull Tuesday?
This is a typical occurrence, and it’s the reason why so many people have questions regarding the x-ray procedure. Why is it required? Why is it that we have to do it so frequently? Is it, most crucially, secure?
Dental X-rays are, of course, safe
People become jittery when terminology like “radiation” are used. They begin to picture dreadful radioactive substance that may convert them into a mutant. That may be true in nuclear scenarios (for example, nuclear power plants), but x-rays have a far lower amount of radiation.
As you might expect, this has been thoroughly researched — you aren’t the first person to inquire if dental x-rays are safe. Research released in 2012 verifies what we already knew: dental x-rays are now considered quite safe. However, if you’re an older patient who had x-rays taken decades ago, a correlation has been shown between x-rays and a higher risk of meningioma. Don’t read too much into this because it’s simply the conclusion of one research, but it could be worth discussing with your doctor.
The patient’s safety isn’t just important — it’s required.
Patient safety is clearly vital to us, but we are also required by law to consider it. Each state has its own set of rules for the proper and safe application of x-ray equipment. Furthermore, the American Dental Association collaborated with the Food and Drug Administration to develop strict guidelines and a list of suggestions to assure patient safety during x-rays.
X-Rays will be completed at your next cleaning and exam
If you have dental insurance, they likely pay for dental x-rays every two or three years. If it has been longer than that since your last full set of x-rays, then it is likely when you make an appointment for a dental cleaning and exam, we will take x-rays of your teeth. You do not need to make a separate appointment to have this done.
If it has been more than six months since your last dental cleaning and exam, contact California Dental Group at (800) 407-0161 to set up an appointment as soon as possible.
