Why Do I Need X-rays at the Dentist?
When most people think of x-rays, they imagine them done in a hospital setting, like when you break your hand and the doctor needs to take a look and see the extent of the damage.
But x-rays are quite useful in the dentist’s office as well. In fact, they might recommend an x-ray even on your first visit. In this post, we’ll discuss why you might need to get a dental x-ray, and how it can benefit you.
The Benefits of Dental X-Rays
When it comes to your teeth, there are lots of things the dentist can tell just by looking at what's on the surface. They can see cavities, inflamed gums, problems with your bite, and can even tell if you’ve been flossing!
But, there are lots of things that can hide beneath the surface, which can only be seen with a dental x-ray. It’s really common to get a dental x-ray especially if the dentist wants to confirm a diagnosis before they move on with the treatment.
For instance, let’s say you have an older tooth filling. While the tooth doesn’t hurt, the dentist believes you may have a cavity beneath your filling, so they will take an x-ray of the tooth to make sure. This prevents them from drilling into the tooth unnecessarily.
Therapeutic vs. Diagnostic - What's The Difference?
X-rays serve as a diagnostic test that helps the dentist understand your dental health better, but they will not treat the condition you have.
This is the difference between therapeutic and diagnostic procedures. The x-ray will allow the dentist to plan the treatment based on a full picture of your dental health.
Are X-Rays Safe?
Dental x-rays involve radiation, so it’s natural to wonder about how safe these tests are. The good news is that radiation exposure is extremely low, especially with digital x-ray technology, which makes dental x-rays safe both for adults and children.
Even so, before you get the x-ray, you will have the front side of your body covered to protect all your organs from unnecessary radiation exposure. But, it's important to also note that the dentist will only recommend getting a dental x-ray if it is truly necessary.
The only patients who should never get an x-ray are those who are pregnant, or might become pregnant. Radiation is not considered safe for the fetus, so most experts recommend not getting x-rays during pregnancy.
Your Next Dentist Visit
If you have some dental needs to take care of, we at Dogwood Family Dental would be happy to assist you. We’re here to make sure you have a healthy and happy smile, with some of the best dental services in the Cookeville, TN area.
Schedule your next appointment with Dr. Taylor Enochs Engler now to get started on your new and improved smile!
