Regular trips to the dentist are key to maintaining good oral health. One common procedure that dentists often recommend is dental X-rays. These diagnostic tools allow dentists to see beyond the surface and detect issues that may not be visible during a routine exam. However, before an X-ray appointment, it's important to understand what X-rays entail and why they are necessary.

4 Points to Keep in Mind Regarding Dental X-Rays

1. They are Safe 

People are often concerned about the safety of X-rays since they emit radiation. Dental X-rays involve minimal radiation exposure, and dentists take specific precautions to ensure patient safety. For example, most dental offices use lead aprons and collars to shield the body and sensitive organs from unnecessary radiation. The benefits of dental X-rays in detecting potential issues outweigh the minimal risks associated with radiation exposure.

2. They're Quick & Painless 

You shouldn't feel any pain during an X-ray procedure. In most cases, you'll need to bite down on a piece of plastic so that the imaging technician can easily capture all the angles of your mouth. The technician will move the X-ray machine around to take pictures of the front, back, and sides of your mouth. The procedure typically lasts five to ten minutes. 

2. X-Rays are Used for Diagnostics 

Dental X-rays are invaluable tools for dentists as they diagnose dental problems. Many sensitive parts of the mouth, such as the roots of your teeth, aren't visible to the naked eye. X-rays can reveal cavities, bone loss, impacted teeth, infections, and even tumors. They help dentists identify issues at an early stage, which gives them additional time to develop a treatment plan and prevent complications. Without dental X-rays, some dental problems may go undetected until they're severe or even dangerous. 

4. They Evolve with Technology 

As technology advances, dental X-rays get quicker, safer, and more detailed. In the past, dentists used film-based X-rays. Now, they rely on digital systems. Digital X-rays expose you to less radiation and the digital format makes it easy for your dentist to share the images with you or other specialists. Further, they're environmentally friendly since there's no need for chemical processing. 

Experts recommend that you visit a dentist for X-rays every six to 18 months. If you're due for a visit, contact James Julien DDS in Kenai, AK. This trusted local practice has been in business for more than 20 years. They use safe, high-quality equipment and methods to treat patients of all ages. Visit them online or schedule an appointment by calling (907) 283-4857.