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The following article was published in Your Health Magazine. Our mission is to empower people to live healthier.
Andrew M. Sklar, DDS
Safety and Importance Of Dental X-Rays
Andrew M. Sklar, DDS, PC

Safety and Importance Of Dental X-Rays

Nearly all medical procedures have risks and benefits, and dental x-rays are no exception. Increasingly people are asking are they safe, are they necessary, how often should we have them, do the benefits outweigh the risks?

Lets begin by looking at what x-rays are. X-rays are a form of energy that travels in waves. X-rays can enter solid objects where they are either absorbed or continue to pass through, depending on the density of the object. The denser the object, the more the x-ray is absorbed and show up on the x-ray film.

For example, gums and cheeks are not very dense so x-rays pass through more easily, and they appear dark and without detail on the x-ray film. However, teeth and bones are very dense, so they absorb x-rays and show up on the film much lighter. Even denser fillings and crowns show up as a solid bright white area. Cavities, which are a lot less dense, show up as a darker patch on a light tooth.

X-rays are among the most valuable tools a dentist has for keeping your mouth and teeth healthy. They can

Show areas of decay that your dentist may not be able to see with just a visual examination,

Detect decay that is developing under an existing filling,

Alert your dentist to bone loss associated with periodontal disease,

Reveal problems in the root canal, such as infection or death of a nerve,

Help your dentist plan, prepare and place implants, orthodontic treatments and dentures,

Reveal abnormalities such as cysts, cancer and changes associated with metabolic and systemic diseases, and/or,

Monitor tooth growth and development in children.

So, how safe are dental x-rays?All types of radiation can cause damage to body cells, even radiation from the sun. Dentistry has made great strides in lowering the radiation dose administered and keeping exposure to a minimum.

They use a machine with a lead lined cylinder and tiny opening on the end, to prevent stray radiation to other parts of your body, and direct the radiation at only the small spot where the x-ray film is located in your mouth.

The speed of the film has been improved, so less exposure is needed to get the same results.

Fingers have been replaced by film holders, which keep the film in place and help the dentist aim the x-ray machine. This reduces the chance of slippage or inaccurate film placement and the need for repeat x-rays.

Federal law requires x-ray machines to be regularly checked for accuracy and safety.

A new method of taking x-rays, called digital radiography, reduces radiation by as much as 80%.

The condition of your teeth and your dental and medical history will determine how often you should have dental x-rays. Regardless of the frequency, however, it is safe to say that much has been done to reduce the radiation received from dental x-rays, and the benefits generally far outweigh the risks.

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