Dental X-rays have remained a hot topic for decades amongst dental professionals and patients alike. At the same time, it exists as a commonly-used method of assessing oral health. It allows dentists to recommend more accurate treatments and catch health problems. To clear up some of the concerns surrounding this type of machine, your local Desert Hot Springs dentist near you will discuss some of the best benefits of dental X-rays that can help you keep your dental health in tip-top shape.
Benefits of Dental X-Rays
Dental X-Rays Reveal Everything
The biggest reason why our dentists support using X-rays is that they can be used to detect such a huge number of oral health problems and anomalies that would otherwise be difficult to diagnose. This is a key contributor to early detection and can help patients start practicing prevention before any future health issues occur.
Dental X-rays reveal everything, from fillings decay to early bone loss. This can be used to detect such problems as periodontal disease, tooth misalignments, cysts, tumors, gaps, and more.
X-Rays Are Very Safe
The biggest question patients have in regard to this testing method is whether or not X-rays are actually safe for use. They use radiation to capture images of the skeleton, exposing patients to this radiation while the camera is operating.
However, the American Dental Association has ensured that dentists are only approved to use low enough levels of radiation that they do not pose very much of a risk. They are typically not considered to be dangerous levels of radiation. But pregnant patients may want to skip X-rays for now.
They Present the Whole Picture
Simply put, X-rays are useful for helping dentists get a comprehensive view of the health of your teeth. X-ray images let you see everything that is going on with the teeth, gums, jaws, nerve roots, and more. As stated earlier, this is a great way to be proactive about early detection. And it can also help to avoid more serious (and expensive) dental health needs down the line.
You Don’t Need X-Rays Very Often
Being exposed to these low levels of radiation cause next to no effects when you only need to receive them once every few years. Patients with more pressing dental health issues, such as periodontal disease or tooth decay, may be asked to get new X-rays taken every 6 months. But for the most part, you do not need to get X-rays more than once every year or two.
There are Different X-Ray Types Available
New panoramic X-ray machines allow dentists to achieve a more comprehensive view of the skull. That means fewer individual pictures prove needed with each session. Other technological advances have been made to help increase the capability of X-rays. At the same time, these advances reduce radiation exposure overall.
In addition to panoramic cameras, radiographs are also available to see some of the smaller areas of the skull. Bitewing X-rays are good for assessing the health of your front teeth and your molars, which you use to eat with.
Learn More About X-Rays at Shodhan Dentistry
Maybe this proves your first time receiving dental X-rays near you. Or you haven’t had them in years and want to know what the process entails. Either way, our dental experts have you covered. With the latest and most up-to-date technology, we can capture dynamic images of your mouth that can help us detect and prevent the smallest hints of disease.
Save time, money, and frustration waiting for unclear images when you take advantage of our digital dental X-rays. With cleaner images and more environmentally-friendly processing methods, there is no part of your oral health that we can’t capture. Contact us today to learn more and schedule your next X-ray appointment ASAP.
