Do I need dental x-rays?

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Accepted Answer

Dental x-rays provide a window into patients&rsquo; oral health. Without x-rays, dentists cannot see the majority of the patient&rsquo;s tooth structure or bone. They also would not have the ability to identify oral conditions such as decay, bone loss, trauma, infection, and tumors.

X-rays allow dentists to obtain vital information regarding bone structure and tooth placement that can affect the patient&rsquo;s overall health and comfort over a lifetime.

Accurate dental radiography is essential in the accurate placement of dental implants as well as planning for successful extractions.

While it is understandable that patients want to limit their exposure to radiation, the radiation from dental x-rays is so minor that people in sunny climates receive more ambient radiation from the atmosphere. Digital x-rays have further reduced radiation levels to approximately 20% of what traditional x-rays emitted.

Dentists typically only take x-rays once yearly unless a pre-existing condition or a dental emergency arises that requires more frequent radiography. The benefits far outweigh the risks involved in dental imaging and may prevent tooth loss.

For more information on x-rays, radiation, the necessity of dental imaging, or to ask additional questions regarding this or any other dental treatment, contact the office of Dr. Olga Frey and her highly knowledgeable team will be happy to help.

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