At Blue Ocean Dentistry, located in the heart of Glendora, California, we understand the importance of preventive dental care and the role diagnostic tools play in maintaining your oral health. Dental x-rays are one such tool that allows us to see beyond what’s visible to the naked eye, helping us provide you with the best care possible. In this blog post, we examine the ways dentists use dental x-rays, including reasons for use, and most importantly, safety.
What Are Dental X-Rays?
Dental x-rays, also known as radiographs, are images of your teeth, bones, and surrounding tissues captured using low levels of radiation. These images are invaluable for dentists as they provide a comprehensive view of your oral health, revealing issues that may not be visible during a regular dental examination.
Why Are Dental X-Rays Used?
Diagnosing Decay: Help us detect cavities between teeth or beneath fillings, areas that are difficult to examine visually. Catching decay in its early stages allows for less invasive and more effective treatment.
Evaluating Bone Health with X-Rays
These tests enable us to assess the health of your jawbone. This is crucial for planning procedures like dental implants, as a healthy bone structure is essential for their success.
X-Rays Help Monitor Growth
For children and adolescents, x-rays are used to monitor the development of their teeth and jaw, ensuring that everything is progressing as it should.
Detecting Infections
X-rays help us identify infections, abscesses, or cysts in the teeth and gums. Prompt detection and treatment can prevent further complications.
Assessing Tooth and Root Position
X-rays provide information about the position of teeth and their roots, helping us plan for orthodontic treatment or extractions when necessary.
Are Dental X-Rays Safe?
Yes, dental x-rays are safe when performed by trained professionals and with modern equipment. The amount of radiation used is minimal, and technological advancements have significantly reduced exposure levels. Here’s why dental they are considered safe:
X-Rays Require Low Radiation Exposure
Dental x-rays use very low doses of radiation, making the risk of harmful effects extremely low. The radiation used is far less than what you might receive from natural background radiation in a day.
Protective Measures for X-Rays
We take precautions to minimize your exposure. We use lead aprons and thyroid collars to shield areas of your body that are not being x-rayed. Our equipment is also regularly maintained to ensure accuracy and safety.
Modern Technology & The X-Ray
We use digital x-rays, which further reduce radiation exposure compared to traditional films. Digital x-rays produce high-quality images quickly, allowing for more efficient diagnosis and treatment planning.
X-Ray Risk Assessment
We consider your age, oral health, and any symptoms or concerns you may have before deciding on frequency.
Pregnancy and X-Rays
If you are pregnant or suspect you might be, please inform us. In such cases, we will take extra precautions and only take them if it is necessary for your dental health.
At Blue Ocean Dentistry, your safety and well-being are our top priorities. We take every measure to ensure that dental x-rays are performed with the utmost care and attention to your health. By providing us with valuable insights into your oral health, we can tailor our treatments to your specific needs and ensure you enjoy a lifetime of healthy smiles.
If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We’re here to provide you with exceptional dental care in a safe and comfortable environment. Your journey to optimal oral health begins with a thorough and precise examination.
About Dr. Fred Wong of Blue Ocean Dentistry in Glendora, California
Dr. Fred Wong and the staff at Blue Ocean Dentistry use the latest available dental treatments, equipment, and materials – all of which make a marked difference in our patients’ experiences. We are committed to helping our patients achieve optimal dental health. We creatively combine dental science and artistry — which can literally redesign your smile. Since even a subtle change in your smile will help you to project self-confidence and high self-esteem, we love helping you feel good about yourself. We deliver the finest dental care at the most reasonable cost and accept most dental insurance plans as well as CareCredit. For more about the dental treatment plans we offer or to schedule an appointment, call today (626) 852-6999.
