Categories: Laser Dentistry

Important Information About Dental X-Rays

Visiting the dentist for a dental checkup usually involves having X-rays taken. Dental X-rays take photos of a person’s mouth in order for a dentist to see different angles and sides of the teeth, gums and jaw.

While most people are familiar with having dental X-rays taken, it can be strange for someone who has never experienced them. Being aware of important information regarding dental X-rays can help anyone who is anxious about having them done.

In this article, we will discuss some important information about dental X-rays. It can be helpful to know what to expect and why they’re needed. 

About dental X-rays

What are dental X-rays?

X-rays are also called radiographs but they are photographs of the internal composition of something. Dental X-rays take images of the internals of a person’s mouth so that a dentist can get a better look at the teeth, gums and jawbone. Intraoral X-rays are the most common type of dental X-rays.

Why are dental X-rays necessary?

A person might think that the dentist just examining their mouth is enough but often times dentists want to be 100% sure that they aren’t missing anything. Dental X-rays can help a dentist see different angles or sides of the teeth, gums and jawbone — some in which might not be visible to the eye. X-rays also allow for the dentist to see the internals of the teeth, gums and jawbone which are hard to see otherwise.

Dental checkups require that X-rays are done in order to check on the status of one’s oral and dental health. Having X-rays done during a dental checkup can be preventative. Other times, X-rays are done in order to diagnose a patient with a dental health issue.

Are dental X-rays safe?

While all kinds of X-rays do involve radiation, dental X-rays expose a person to an extremely small amount. A person will wear a protective apron during the dental X-ray in order to protect the abdomen and chest from radiation. X-rays, in general, are safer to have than not having them because they can prevent and diagnose a lot of things within all types of health care.

What to expect

The person will be lead to a small room that has equipment in it. The camera will move all around one’s head and jaw in order to get all sorts of images. The camera will have an extendable piece that will go within the mouth to get interior images. The dental professional will step out of the room and press the button to capture the image while the patient stays still.

Conclusion

Dental X-rays are an easy part of visiting the dentist’s office. They’re typically routine in order to provide preventative care but they are also commonly used for diagnosing dental problems. Being aware of what happens during an X-ray can help ease anxieties that anyone might be facing.

It has been said that pregnant women shouldn't have X-rays done because the radiation can harm the baby, but with such little exposure, it is sometimes best to have X-rays done if for preventative reasons. It's always best to ensure that the mother and baby are both healthy. 

If you have questions about dental X-rays then reach out to our office today so that we can help you!

Request an appointment here: https://metrosmiles.com or call Metro Smiles Dental at (718) 841-9591 for an appointment in our Forest Hills office.

Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.

Recent Posts

What Is Laser Dentistry And How Does It Work?

Curious about laser dentistry? Read on to learn more about this type of treatment. Medical professionals may modify or remove tiny quantities of tissue using lasers. While laser surgery has numerous applications outside of dentistry, the vast majority of patients had never ever heard of laser dentistry until they needed it. Dentists employ lasers for…

When Would Laser Dentistry Be Recommended?

Correcting mouth issues with a beam of light might sound like science-fiction, but laser dentistry is a present, common, and effective practice. Dental lasers are less noisy and less invasive than traditional drills. They often cause less anxiety and fear during dental procedures and reduce healing times and pain as well. With all this in…

4 Reasons To See A Laser Dentist

A laser dentist has the most cutting-edge tools in dentistry — lasers. This type of dentist uses a less invasive method capable of replacing the crude, traditional techniques. Scalpels and drills do not inspire a pleasant dental treatment experience at all. If you are thinking about seeing a laser dentist soon, here are the four…

Laser Dentistry: FAQs

Laser dentistry incorporates the use of lasers to treat a variety of dental problems. It has been around for decades. But it has become popular in recent years mainly due to new advancements in technology. There are many benefits of laser dentistry that make it a great choice for many patients. But there are several…

Dr. Block

Share
Published by
Dr. Block

Recent Posts

3 Things Your Dentist Wants You to Know About Dental Restorations

Dental restorations have been used for thousands of years. In fact, a 2012 article published…

2 days ago

Should You Tell Your Dentist if You Have Dental Anxiety

Dental anxiety is a common condition, but many are unaware of the many ways it…

4 days ago

How Dentists Use Dental Crowns in Dental Restorations

Crowns are commonly used in dental restorations. A crown is a cap shaped like a…

2 weeks ago

Which Dental Restorations Are Recommended for Damaged Teeth?

Dental restorations are used to repair or strengthen damaged teeth and to replace missing teeth.…

3 weeks ago

Smile Confidently: The Benefits of Dental Crowns

A dental crown can restore a damaged, worn, or weakened tooth. This restoration can bring…

3 weeks ago

What Type of Materials Are Used in Dental Restorations?

Dental restorations help individuals regain oral functions like chewing and achieve better smiles. Although dentists'…

3 weeks ago