What are dental X-rays?

Dental X-rays (radiographs) are internal images of your teeth and jaw bones. Dentists use X-rays to examine structures and pathology that they can’t see during a routine checkup, like your jawbone, nerves, sinuses, and infections.

What are the benefits of Digital X-rays?

We only use digital X-rays at Chandler Dental. Digital X-rays use 80% to 90% less radiation compared to traditional dental X-ray machines. The image quality of digital radiographs is much higher, and they are easier to interpret, manipulate and transfer. Additionally digital X-rays eliminate the use and waste of the chemicals that traditional X-rays require.

What can dental X-rays detect?

Dental X-rays help your dentist diagnose a wide range of oral health issues such as:

• Cavities – especially small areas of decay between teeth.
• Decay around existing fillings.
• Bone loss in your jaw.
• Location of the sinuses and nerves.
• The position of unerupted or impacted teeth.
• Abscessed teeth (infection at the root of your tooth)
• Cysts, some types of tumors, or other pathology

Dentists also use X-rays to help determine your eligibility for treatments like dental implants, Invisalign or dentures. X-rays help your dentist check healing after certain procedures, too, such as dental bone grafts and root canal therapy.

Are dental X-rays safe?

The radiation risk from a dental X-ray is quite small. In fact, the amount of radiation you get from a full set of dental X-rays is comparable to the amount of radiation you absorb from things like:

• TVs, smartphones and computers.
• Building materials like ceramic floor tiles and granite countertops.
• Background radiation from the sun, stars and the Earth itself.

To put this into perspective, here are some everyday things that emit radiation and their corresponding doses:

• Bananas: A single banana contains a small amount of radioactive potassium-40, which emits about 0.1 micro Sieverts (μSv)
• Cosmic radiation: People are exposed to cosmic radiation from outer space every day. At sea level, the average dose is about 0.24 μSv per hour 1.
• Air travel: The higher altitude of airplanes exposes passengers to more cosmic radiation. A round-trip flight from New York to Los Angeles, for example, exposes passengers to about 40 μSv of radiation 1.
• Natural background radiation: People are exposed to natural background radiation from the environment every day. In the United States, the average annual dose is about 3.1 millisieverts (mSv) 1.

Compared to these everyday sources of radiation, A full set of Dental X-rays (taken about once every five years) is about 85 micro Sieverts. This is equivalent to about 1 week of normal radiation exposure.

How often should I get dental X-rays?

Most people with healthy teeth and gums should have a limited set of 6 dental X-rays taken once every year. But if you have gum disease, recurring decay or other time-sensitive oral health issues, you may need more frequent X-rays. A full set of 18 X-rays is recommended every 5 years.

Can I refuse dental X-rays?

As an individual, you have the right to refuse dental X-rays. However, it’s important to understand that most dentists won’t provide services without them since it is impossible to give come up with a proper diagnosis in many instances.

If you’re concerned about radiation exposure, talk with our dentists at Chandler Dental. They can help you weigh the pros and cons of getting dental X-rays.

Can a dental X-ray show cancer?

Dental X-rays can show some types of oral cancer but X-rays can’t detect all types of mouth cancer. That’s why routine oral cancer screenings are so important.

Is it safe to get X-rays while pregnant?

Generally speaking, it’s safe to have X-rays of your teeth while pregnant or breastfeeding. In fact, both the American Dental Association and the American Pregnancy Association have stated that dental X-rays pose little to no risk to a fetus. At Chandler Dental we understand your concerns and will discuss your options and make sure you are comfortable with your treatment plan.