X-rays to help determine your eligibility for treatments like dental implants, braces or dentures.
Dental Radiography
Dental Radiography is a branch of medicine that uses imaging technology to diagnose and treat disease. Dental Radiography may be divided into two different areas, diagnostic radiology and interventional radiology. Dental X-rays help your dentist diagnose a wide range of oral health issues.
Dental X-rays show:
- Cavities, especially small areas of decay between teeth.
- Decay beneath existing fillings.
- Bone loss in your jaw.
- Areas of infection.
- The position of unerupted or impacted teeth.
- Abscessed teeth.
- Cysts and some types of tumors.
Benefits
X-rays help your dentist check healing after certain procedures, too, such as dental bone grafts and root canal therapy.
Questions
Can I refuse dental X-rays?
As an individual, you have the right to refuse dental X-rays. However, it’s important to understand that most dentists won’t provide services without them. If you’re concerned about radiation exposure, talk with your dentist. They can help you weigh the pros and cons of getting dental X-rays.
Can a dental X-ray show cancer?
Dental X-rays can show some types of oral cancer — particularly cancer that either started in or spread to your jaw. But X-rays can’t detect all types of mouth cancer. That’s why routine oral cancer screenings are so important
Should I have dental X-rays while pregnant?
Generally speaking, it’s safe to have X-rays of your teeth while pregnant or breastfeeding (chestfeeding). In fact, both the American Dental Association and the American Pregnancy Association have stated that dental X-rays pose little to no risk to a fetus. Even so, most dentists avoid taking X-rays during pregnancy unless it’s absolutely necessary.
