An Overview of Dental X-rays

Although x-rays are becoming more popular by the minute, there is still a negative connotation coupled with the procedure. With cancer and other metabolic diseases being pegged on radiation, you really can’t blame people for being a little worried when their dentist in Milpitas orders a dental x-ray. But are dental x-rays really necessary, what are the types of x-rays available and how can one protect oneself from excess exposure to radiation?

Uses

Your dentist will rely on your dental x-ray for the confirmation of any oral health problem and in the designing of a proper treatment plan. One reason that a dental x-ray is warranted is when your dentist is looking for tooth decay or dental holes that are hidden from view. Dental decay in between your teeth is one example. Another reason for ordering a dental x-ray is when your doctor wants to know if the bones adjacent to your teeth are undergoing density changes. The overall teeth development can also be observed with the help of dental x-rays especially ones that include emerging teeth and impacted teeth.

Types

There are basically two types of dental x-rays available—the intraoral dental x-ray and the extraoral dental x-ray. The intraoral dental x-ray gives more details since it closes in on the teeth, dental roots and the adjacent bones. On the other hand, the extraoral dental x-ray takes a whole picture of the mouth with the jaws and the skull.

Safety

There are few adjustments that you can suggest to prevent excessive damage to your cells whenever you get a dental x-ray (see mymilpitasdentist.com. The very first option is to ask the radiologist if it would be possible to reduce the x-ray dose. Some laboratories use improved x-ray films that are as effective as the other ones without having to be exposed to too much radiation.