Dental x-rays are a useful diagnostic tool when helping your dentist detect damage and disease not visible to the naked eye. How often x-rays should be taken depends on your oral health, your age, your risk for disease, and any symptoms of oral disease.
If you are a new patient, x-rays may be recommended to determine the present status of your oral health. Later on, a new set of X-rays may be needed to help your dentist detect any new cavities, evaluate your gum health and the development of your teeth. It is very helpful to forward your radiographs taken by your previous dentist to your current dentist.
Dental x-rays require very low levels of radiation exposure, which makes the risk of potentially harmful effects very small. Dental x-ray tools and techniques are designed to limit the body's exposure to radiation and every precaution is taken to ensure that radiation exposure is as low as reasonably achievable. A leaded apron and/or a leaded thyroid collar may be used to shield the abdomen and thyroid.
Are you pregnant? Make sure to tell your dentist. During your pregnancy, you may need to have x-rays taken as part of your treatment plan for a dental disease. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, dental care and dental X-rays are safe during pregnancy. Use of the leaded apron and thyroid collar will protect you and your fetus from radiation exposure. Dental x-rays also do not need to be delayed if you are trying to become pregnant or are breastfeeding.
Please feel free to ask Dr. Kuo about any questions you may have about dental x-rays.
Also check out this brochure that answers some common questions.
Brian Y. Kuo DDS FAGD
(626) 800-8022
🦷 We value educating patients and providing gentle dental work.
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