While most patients have had x-rays taken at some point in their lives,, many patients do not fully understand the value and benefits x-rays have on the quality of their dental care. Understandably, worries about radiation exposure and costs are common concerns for our patients. Here is a brief list of why x-rays are necessary, and some information to help alleviate some common concerns.
X-rays help the doctor:
- Examine the teeth and surrounding structures thoroughly before beginning a procedure
- See decay that is hidden under a filling
- See decay that is hidden between teeth
- See areas of bone loss
- See infection and other hidden problems
At Tahoe Oral Surgery and Implant Center, in addition to conventional digital two-dimensional x-rays, we use a special 3D Cone Beam CT scanner, which allows us to:
- View a complex 3D model of your mouth
- See your sinuses and bone in striking detail
- Carefully plan your procedure
- Reduce your treatment duration
Do I really need X-rays? How often are they necessary?
X-rays are an important part of planning your procedure and are necessary to ensure the highest quality of treatment. Trying to accurately care for your teeth without x-rays would be extremely difficult and put us at a significant disadvantage. To help ensure proper care of your teeth, you will be provided with a recommended x-ray schedule based on your dental history, current health, and recommended procedure.
Is the radiation going to harm me?
Our advanced digital x-rays and next-generation 3D scanner have a wide variety of custom programs that allow for extremely short bursts of radiation, which dramatically reduces radiation exposure. It is one of the safest machines available today and radiation levels are negligible – about the same as a day of natural background radiation, or a 1-2 hour airplane flight.
We hope that this information has been helpful to you. If you have any additional questions about X-rays, please don’t hesitate to contact us at Tahoe Oral Surgery and Implant Center, or ask Dr. Martin or Dr. Appelblatt directly during your consultation.