WHY DOES MY DENTIST TAKE X-RAYS?
X-rays let the dentist see what’s not visible to the naked eye. For example, x-rays let the dentist see the root of the tooth, that part of the tooth that is submerged in the gum, so the x-ray is a vital tool to the dentist. In the case of a new patient, the dentist will want to take a complete set of x-rays to establish a baseline of a person’s mouth to be used in future evaluations. Dentists then periodically take x-rays during subsequent visits to compare to the initial set and look for any pathology….decay, periodontal disease, oral cancer.
Both the American Dental Association and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration have set guidelines for the use of x-rays. The main ADA rule is that dentists should use them only when necessary. The frequency of x-rays will depend on the details of an individual patient’s case. You and your dentist can work out an x-ray schedule that’s appropriate for your oral health. That schedule will vary according to your age, your risk of disease and the symptoms of your condition. As with all aspects of dentistry—and other health-care fields—the technology and techniques have improved considerably over the years. Talk with your dentist for more information about x-rays and how they play into plans for your treatment.
If you, your family or friends need dental care, we would be honored to provide you with state-of-the-art dental care in our modern dental practice. Refer someone you love to someone you trust!
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