Understanding Dental X-Rays: Types, Safety, and Necessity

If a picture is worth a thousand words, then a dental X-ray is an invaluable chapter in the story of your oral health. Dental X-rays are a dentist's indispensable tool, providing a behind-the-scenes look at what's going on beneath the surface of your gums and enamel. Let's clear the air about the different types of X-rays, their importance in dentistry, and address the concerns you might have about their safety.

Peering Beneath the Surface: Why We Need Dental X-Rays

Dental X-rays allow dentists to detect issues that are not visible during a regular dental exam. These can include cavities between teeth, impacted teeth, jawbone damage, and even some types of tumors. Without X-rays, these problems could go unnoticed and lead to more significant health issues over time.

Types of Dental X-Rays at Manhattan Beach Dental Center

At our center, we use several types of X-rays to get the complete picture:

• Bitewing X-rays show details of the upper and lower teeth in one area, helping to detect decay between teeth.
• Periapical X-rays focus on two complete teeth from root to crown.
• Panoramic X-rays capture the entire mouth in one image and are useful for planning treatments, such as braces, implants, or extractions.
• Cone Beam CT creates a 3D image of dental structures, soft tissues, nerves, and bone.

The Safety of Dental X-Rays

We understand that the thought of radiation can be unsettling. That's why we've invested in the latest digital X-ray technology, which significantly reduces radiation exposure compared to traditional methods. Additionally, we take all the necessary precautions, including lead aprons and thyroid collars, to protect our patients during the imaging process.

How Often Should You Get Dental X-Rays?

The frequency of dental X-rays depends on your individual health needs. New patients may require a set of X-rays to establish a baseline of oral health, while continuing patients might need them periodically to monitor their dental status. At Manhattan Beach Dental Center, we tailor X-ray schedules to each patient's specific needs, minimizing exposure while ensuring optimal oral health.

Part of a Bigger Picture

Dental X-rays are an essential component of a comprehensive dental care strategy. They arm your dental care team with the insight needed to make informed decisions about your treatment plan, ultimately leading to better health outcomes.

We invite you to visit us at Manhattan Beach Dental Center for a check-up, where we can discuss if and when you might need dental X-rays. Trust in the clarity these images provide and the expertise of our team to keep your smile bright and healthy.

In our next blog post, we'll explore the dynamic evolution of dentistry—from ancient practices to today's innovative technologies. Stay tuned!