Many people ask their Abbotsford family dentist about whether dental XRays are harmful

- especially when it comes to children.  We all want to protect them and work with an empathetic kid’s dentist in our area to take care of their dental health. (In the rare cases where more is necessary, we have a wonderful pediatric dentist to whom we can refer you.)

So what’s the truth about XRays that are routinely used in dental offices?

What your Abbotsford family dentist will tell you is that dental XRays have very low radiation emissions.  In fact, you’re probably exposed to higher levels of radiation during the normal course of life than when you have a dental XRay.

The speed at which XRay film is exposed has also been significantly increased – and in fact, when modern  dental film is used, the time required is significantly less than what it used to be years ago.

Even though the dose is so low, digital sensors are used to reduce the dose even further. These sensors help cut radiation by as much as 80 to 90%. compared to comparable film XRay’s.  Small cones and collimated beams (very tightly focused beams) in modern dental XRay machines also limit the exposed area to just a few centimeters.

To further ensure patient safety, XRay machines are strictly regulated and are required to undergo regular checks to ensure that they are functioning properly.

You’ll also always be protected by a large, lead lined apron when you’re having an XRay taken, although with the low levels of radiation from today’s dental XRay machines, this is almost a superfluous precaution.

How many dental XRays should you have?

Well, that depends on your specific situation.  Children’s dentists and orthodontists often recommend more frequent XRays than they would for adults, simply because children’s teeth and bones are developing quickly so changes are more rapid.

People with specific issues, such as periodontal disease or who are taking certain medications also require more frequent XRays to assist in the monitoring and controlling of the disease, or to spot potential problems.  For those who practice excellent oral hygiene and have regular dental check ups, XRays may be required less frequently than for those who do not.

Why do I need an XRay if I don’t have a problem?

XRays help ensue that potential problems are discovered and treated before they advance further.  Many problems can be present long before they can actually be seen with the naked eye.  This is why, although you may not be aware of any dental problems, your family dentist will often recommend XRays.

For instance, XRays can assist your family dentist in detecting

• potential cavities developing between teeth
• decay beginning beneath a filling
• damaged or cracked fillings
• bone loss caused by periodontal disease
• infection or dead nerves in a root canal
• cysts, cancers or other disease onset in the bones
• monitoring of tooth growth and the replacement of baby teeth with permanent teeth

As you can tell, XRays are an integral part of the dental care process and while they are considered extremely safe in modern dental practices, every care is always taken to ensure complete patient safety at all times.

 

Please bear in mind:

 

http://abbotsforddentists.com is an informational site featuring videos and articles about family dental health. To get the link to the entire series, please fill in the form to the upper right of the site.  You’ll receive an email with the access instructions.  These resources are for information only and specific advice should be sought from your local dentist.  The corporate site for Clayburn Dental Centre ishttp://clayburndental.com