Are dental x-rays safe?
We are exposed to very low doses of radiation daily. The radiation needed to take a dental X-ray is extremely small. In addition, advanced technologies allow members of your dental team to significantly reduce your exposure to radiation.
Here’s how:
- Concentration: With the new x-ray machines, X-rays are extremely accurate, so the amount of residual radiation is kept to a minimum. X-rays are only focused on the area targeted by your dentist.
- Speed: The high sensitivity of the sensor and the accuracy of the count-pose can shorten the time of exposure to radiation.
- The safety of the devices: We follow the law; our equipment is inspected by a radioprotection firm that ensures their proper functioning.
- Lead shielding: An apron and a lead collar provide you with additional protection against radiation.
- Staff training: The members of our dental team have training in taking X-rays.
X-rays and pregnancy
It is important to inform your dentist if you are pregnant so that he can make informed decisions about what is best for you and your baby.For pregnant women, it is best to avoid x-rays during the first trimester and take them only when absolutely necessary.
Our team at the Oracare Dental Center is committed to informing patients of all procedures and, above all, to making our patients’ experience as safe and comfortable as possible.
Do not hesitate to contact us for more information and to schedule your dental examination appointment with digital X-rays.
What is a dental x-ray?
Dental X-rays are images of the internal structure of your teeth and bones. X-ray images help your dentist identify problems that may be under the surface of your teeth and gums.
What are they for?
Dental X-rays are an essential complement to screening and examination. They allow for a more accurate diagnosis of the condition of your mouth, and they help identify certain dental problems that are often not visible to the naked eye and that can worsen when not treated in time. For example,x-rays can reveal the following problems:
- Caries between teeth and around old fillings
- Bone loss caused by gum disease
- Bone infections or abnormalities
- Included teeth like, the wisdom teeth
- Long or curved roots that require special attention in case of interventions such as root canal treatments or extractions
- Temporomandibular joint problems
Your dentist will only take x-rays if they are needed. If you are a new patient, your dentist will probably want x-rays to get a more complete picture of your oral health. If you have recently had X-rays at another dental office know that it is possible to have them transferred in order to avoid taking new ones.
How is X-ray taken?
These x-rays are usually done at the clinic. The dental professional will begin by covering you with a thick apron of lead to protect your body from radiation. He will then insert a small plastic appliance into your mouth and ask you to bite it. This unit is used to hold the X-ray sensor in place. Then he will start taking snapshots of the target area. The procedure is painless and will be repeated until images of your entire mouth are obtained.
What are the advantages of digital X-rays?
- Digital x-rays emit very little radiation, less than conventional x-rays.
- Digital x-rays provide optimal accuracy and superior image quality.
- Digital x-rays allow you to archive data in the clinic’s computer system, so it’s easy to monitor your oral health.
- Digital X-rays are easily transferable to insurance companies or other dental professionals via email to avoid unnecessary waiting times.
What type of X-ray do I need for my dental treatments?
The type of X-ray needed depends largely on the type of care the patient should receive.
Here are some of the most common types of x-rays performed:
- Periapical radiography
allows the dentist to see the entire tooth as well as the bone that helps support it.
- Interproximal radiography
allows the dentist to see the lower and upper posterior teeth. This type of X-ray allows the dentist to study how these teeth touch each other (occlusion) and to detect the presence of caries between these teeth.
- Panoramic X-ray
Provides a panoramic view of the teeth, jaws, nasal area, sinuses and jaw joints.It is also taken when a patient may require orthodontic treatment, dental implants or extraction of wisdom teeth.
Are dental x-rays safe?
We are exposed to very low doses of radiation daily. The radiation needed to take a dental X-ray is extremely small. In addition, advanced technologies allow members of your dental team to significantly reduce your exposure to radiation.
Here’s how:
- Concentration: With the new x-ray machines, X-rays are extremely accurate, so the amount of residual radiation is kept to a minimum. X-rays are only focused on the area targeted by your dentist.
- Speed: The high sensitivity of the sensor and the accuracy of the count-pose can shorten the time of exposure to radiation.
- The safety of the devices: We follow the law; our equipment is inspected by a radioprotection firm that ensures their proper functioning.
- Lead shielding: An apron and a lead collar provide you with additional protection against radiation.
- Staff training: The members of our dental team have training in taking X-rays.
X-rays and pregnancy
It is important to inform your dentist if you are pregnant so that he can make informed decisions about what is best for you and your baby.For pregnant women, it is best to avoid x-rays during the first trimester and take them only when absolutely necessary.
Our team at the Oracare Dental Center is committed to informing patients of all procedures and, above all, to making our patients’ experience as safe and comfortable as possible.
Do not hesitate to contact us for more information and to schedule your dental examination appointment with digital X-rays.
514 504 - 3368
(DENT)
Walking Distance From Concordia and McGill Universities, as well as many other colleges
Walking Distance From Concordia and McGill Universities, as well as many other colleges
