During regularly scheduled cleanings, the dentist or hygienist may ask if it’s okay to take some X-rays. Getting these Dental X-Rays in South Austin TX is an important part of the dental checkup and cleaning and shouldn’t be skipped.
X-Ray Importance
Dental X-Rays in South Austin TX will help the dentist to determine if a person has cysts, tumors, cavities, impacted teeth, abscesses, or gum disease. These conditions aren’t necessarily visible to the naked eye. The X-rays may be able to find these issues before they are causing symptoms, such as pain or swelling, that would otherwise indicate a problem. Catching these problems early means they can be fixed before they cause more than minimal damage, saving a person from pain, suffering, and additional expense from treating a more serious problem.
When Necessary
If there’s an issue that’s causing symptoms, X-rays may be necessary even if they weren’t on the schedule for a particular check-up. Otherwise, it’s common to have the smaller bitewings X-rays anywhere from every six months to every three years, depending on a person’s history for cavities and other issues. Usually, the first time that a dentist is visited, a full set of X-rays will be taken, and a Panorex full-mouth X-ray may be taken every few years to get a better view of places in the mouth that aren’t easily seen on the smaller X-rays that are taken more often. Should there be a problem with a toothache in a particular tooth, that area may be X-rayed to determine what is causing the issue.
Potential Safety Concerns
While X-rays do expose people to a small amount of radiation, dentists do everything they can to limit this as much as possible, including using a leaded apron and collar to protect the throat and stomach from radiation and using digital X-rays to minimize any radiation exposure. Those worried about this can discuss potentially stretching out the time in between X-rays if they typically don’t have any problems, such as cavities and gum diseases, when they go for their checkups and cleanings. Likewise, pregnant and breastfeeding women sometimes request not to have X-rays during these times, even though the apron should provide all the necessary protection from radiation to keep the baby safe.
Contact Anne Lyon DDS for more information.
