Concerning Dental X-Rays

When a dentist is unable to verify suspected tooth decay, they will order X-rays. This is a valuable tool to confirm and diagnose dental disease when it is difficult to determine through a traditional oral exam.

How often an X-ray is taken is dependent upon various factors relating to the patient. These variables include age, patient health risks, and the emergence of signs or symptoms. Kids will normally receive more frequent X-rays than adults due to their constant growth and development. Once your dentist has reviewed your past history and performed an examination, they will decide if you should be given an X-ray.

Moving or changing dentists? Once settled, be sure to ask your previous dentist to forward copies of your X-rays. This will save you and your new dentist time, money, and potentially avoid having to take new radiographs. Without any dental history, new patients must undergo a completely new round of X-rays in order to evaluate their current oral health state.

Dental X-rays are safe. Because of the low level of radiation utilized when taking dental X-rays, detrimental exposure risk is minimal and you should not worry about potential side-effects. Even though years of use has confirmed this, all reasonable precautions are taken to remove any doubt of potential harm. Lead vests, aprons and collars shield the abdomen and thyroid glands from unnecessary exposure. If pregnant, you should alert your dentist so that these items are in place to protect the fetus.

If you have questions or concerns about radiation from a dental X-ray, call Dr. Samuel Schmitz for more information. Please contact Family Dentistry to make an appointment at: 812-853-3313, or come by our office in Newburgh, Indiana.