Digital X-rays
X-rays
are a part of a thorough examination of the mouth and teeth. They
provide critical information about your dental condition that may not
be available any other way.
How often these should be taken depends
upon your individual dental condition. If you have very few
dental problems and restorations, and your home care is good, you may
not need routine x-rays every visit or even every year. The risk
of taking these x-rays is balanced by the risk of not finding cavities
or gum problems as early as possible. If your homecare is good,
then your risks are less.
Even at extended intervals, routine
x-rays are still important. Digital technology has decreased the
exposure to the patient when these images are necessary. X-ray
exposure is about half of the latest film technology, and the images
are sharper and larger, so that the dentist can more easily share with
the patient what the examination reveals.
My office uses digital
x-rays, and the ability to share with you these images is a welcome
feature of my practice. The images are large, clear, and easier
for both the dentist and the patient to see, as well as appearing on a
computer screen almost without delay.