Do you really need dental x-rays? They are inconvenient, often uncomfortable, and then they have the radiation factor. On the flip side, x-rays show if you have tooth decay, abnormalities of the teeth and jaw, and can spare you significant pain and expense when these problems are caught early. As a patient, you will always have the choice to decline or accept x-rays as a diagnostic tool. Unfortunately, I have found that the facts about dental x-rays are often misunderstood or unknown altogether.I have met many patients that decline on the basis that they “feel just fine”. Right away, I can say that not all dental problems cause pain or discomfort, in fact, it is better to find things like decay and periodontal disease in the early (and often painless) stages. This can give you the option of treating the problem sooner, reducing overall expense, discomfort, and increasing the likelihood of a favorable outcome. There are even some patients that feel little to nothing, with large cavities or severe periodontal disease that would have benefited from regular x-rays. It could have spared them the process of root canals and even tooth loss.
Another reason I often hear from patients is that they wish to avoid the radiation. It is true; that dental x-rays emit radiation, but it is far less than you may think. Radiation is a constant in all of our lives. Many people may be unaware that they are exposed to radiation on a daily basis, from the food they eat, the places they live, and even the people they sleep next to!
More specifically, our office uses digital technology for taking x-rays, which decreases radiation up to 90% compared to standard x-ray films. The low dose from our digital dental x-rays, taken twice a year, accounts for less than one half of one percent of the radiation the average person receives annually. We take even this small amount of radiation seriously, and by using the latest technologies you can rest assured that our diagnostic tools are as safe as possible.
Another noteworthy fact is that dental x-rays are often required to ethically and legally begin any treatment. Dental x-rays can detect and confirm the presence of a problem, and most insurance companies require them to approve treatment. The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and American Dental Association (ADA) also require that you sign a release if you decline x-rays, because you risk having an undiagnosed condition that can cause potential harm.
Think about the benefits gained by having regular dental x-rays. Problems are diagnosed sooner; the treatment can be less extensive and less expensive. Pain can be avoided from badly decayed teeth or gum disease. You can keep your teeth healthier, longer. The amount of information on this topic is boundless, but here you have a start. Never hesitate to ask us about what is important to you. It is your health, your life, and we want you to know the facts so you can decide what is best for you.
For more information about dental x-rays for these links to our website:
Dental X-Rays
Digital X-Rays
Panoramic X-Rays (full mouth film)
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