X-Rays
When X-rays pass through your mouth during a dental exam, more X-rays are absorbed by the denser parts (such as teeth and bone) than by soft tissues (such as cheeks and gums) before striking the film. This creates an image on the radiograph. Teeth appear lighter because fewer X-rays penetrate to reach the film. Cavities and gum disease appear darker because of more X-ray penetration. The interpretation of these X-rays allows the dentist to safely and accurately detect hidden abnormalities.
How often dental X-rays (radiographs) should be taken depends on the patient`s individual health needs. It is important to recognize that just as each patient is different from the next, so should the scheduling of X-ray exams be individualized for each patient. Your medical and dental history will be reviewed and your mouth examined before a decision is made to take X-rays of your teeth.
The schedule for needing radiographs at recall visits varies according to your age, risk for disease and signs and symptoms. Recent films may be needed to detect new cavities, or to determine the status of gum disease or for evaluation of growth and development. Children may need X-rays more often than adults. This is because their teeth and jaws are still developing and because their teeth are more likely to be affected by tooth decay than those of adults.
One of the most commonly asked questions from our patients is, “Do I really need dental x-rays today?”
The State of Pennsylvania mandates that a Doctor treats a patient with a “standard of care.” This cannot be done without the necessary radiographs (x-rays). Dental x-rays are an essential tool used by the dentist in diagnosing areas that cannot be seen to the naked eye (i.e. under the gum tissue or in between the teeth). They detect any hidden dental cavities, abnormalities or infections to create an accurate treatment plan. Without the use of x-rays, a dentist would not be able to detect an abscess or cyst, interproximal decay, cancerous or non cancerous tumors, developmental abnormalities or any problems that may occur under the gum tissue. Our office highly recommends for four x-rays (bitewing) taken every year and a full series (FMX) every 3 years. Bitewing x-rays allow the doctors to check for any decay that can lie in between the molars. The full mouth series includes the four bitewing x-rays as well as x-rays that show down to the root of the tooth and the bone that holds the tooth in place. The full series allows the doctor to diagnose any abnormalities in the bone, any bone loss, or any infections that may be present. By detecting any dental problems and treating them at an early stage, you can save money as well as being conservative in the treatment needed.
