Dental X-rays are a crucial part of maintaining your oral health, and they serve as an essential tool for diagnosing problems that may not be visible during a regular exam. Without them, it’s like asking your dentist to treat you while blindfolded – they won’t have the full picture of what’s going on in your mouth. Dental X-rays allow dentists to spot issues like cavities between teeth, gum disease, infections, and even tumors early on, helping to prevent more serious problems down the road.

As for the safety of dental X-rays, you might be concerned about radiation. The amount of radiation from a dental X-ray is very low and comparable to the amount you’d receive from daily background radiation just by being outdoors. In fact, a full-mouth X-ray exposes you to about the same amount of radiation as you would get from about one to two minutes of microwave use. It’s a tiny amount, and with modern technology, the process is both fast and safe. The ADA no longer advises using thyroid collars during radiographic exams.

At our office, it’s our policy that every patient has a full mouth set of X-rays every three years, and bitewings, which help detect cavities, once a year. This ensures that we have the most up-to-date information about your oral health. If you choose not to follow this policy, we may have to dismiss you from our practice, as we cannot provide optimal care without these critical diagnostic tools.

Remember, dental X-rays are not just about catching issues early – they’re about giving you the best possible care and protecting your health. We encourage you to follow our recommendations and help us keep your smile healthy!