Dental X-Rays Are Safer Than You Think

By Dr. Maryam Brazdo

Apr 22 2013

We know you have heard about the effects of radiation, but they want to reassure you that dental X-rays are completely safe because the dose of radiation you are exposed to during the taking of X-rays is extremely small.

The Huffington Post explains that, “advances in dentistry over the years have lead to the low radiation levels emitted by today’s X-rays. Some of the improvements are new digital X-ray machines that limit the radiation beam to the small area being X-rayed, higher speed X-ray films that require shorter exposure time compared with older film speeds to get the same results, and the use of film holders that keep the film in place in the mouth (which prevents the film from slipping and the need for repeat X-rays and additional radiation exposure).”

At Artistic Touch Dentistry, we also use lead-lined, full body aprons that will protect your body from stray radiation (though this is almost nonexistent with modern dental X-ray machines.) A few common types of dental X-rays as described by WebMD are:

Bitewing X-rays—show the upper and lower back teeth and how the teeth touch each other in a single view. These X-rays are used to check for decay between the teeth and to show how well the upper and lower teeth line up. They also show bone loss when severe gum disease or a dental infection is present.
Periapical X-rays—show the entire tooth, from the exposed crown to the end of the root and the bones that support the tooth. These X-rays are used to find dental problems below the gum line or in the jaw, such as impacted teeth, abscesses, cysts, tumors, and bone changes linked to some diseases.
Occlusal X-rays—show the roof or floor of the mouth and are used to find extra teeth, teeth that have not yet broken through the gums, jaw fractures, a cleft in the roof of the mouth (cleft palate), cysts, abscesses, or growths. Occlusal X-rays may also be used to find a foreign object.

When you are looking for a Melbourne, Florida dentist then give Artistic Touch Dentistry a call today to schedule an appointment with Dr. Maryam Brazdo.