Are dental x-rays safe?
The good news is, if you are worried about getting x-rays at your dentist’s office, you don’t need to be! Dental x-rays are considered to be very safe and have a very low dose of radiation. In fact, the amount of radiation from dental x-rays is minor compared to the radiation we are exposed to everyday, such as the natural radiation from the sun. Dental x-rays are even considered very safe for children.
Why are dental x-rays important?
X-rays are important because they can catch problems with your teeth that are hidden to the naked eye, such as between and underneath teeth. These issues can become very serious if left untreated – there may be decay underneath a filling or between teeth, an infection of the tooth root, bone loss that indicates gum disease, or even more serious problems such as a tumor. An x-ray is also important if you need implants, braces, or dentures. Your dentist will start the process for any one of these by using x-rays to help create a treatment plan.
Your child’s dentist will also need x-rays to check on incoming teeth, to make sure they are coming in correctly and that there will be enough room for them when they do grow through the gums. The dentist will also use x-rays to make sure your child’s jaw is developing as it should.
Dental x-rays are very safe and very important for good oral health. They help your dentist catch any problems before they have a chance to become problems! If you have any questions about your dental health or how the Konig Center for Cosmetic and Comprehensive Dentistry can help you to keep your teeth in tip-top shape, call for an appointment today! Call the office in Houston, Texas, at (713) 668-2289.
