Dental x-rays are essential, preventative, diagnostic tools that provide valuable information not visible during a regular dental exam. Dentists and dental hygienists use this information to safely and accurately detect hidden dental abnormalities and complete an accurate treatment plan. Without x-rays, problem areas may go undetected.
Are dental x-rays safe?
We are all exposed to natural radiation in our environment. At the Dental Treatment Center ain Brussels, we only use digitalized long-cone radiographs to detect the early periodontal bone loss.
Digital radiography (digital x-ray) is the latest technology used to take dental x-rays. This technique uses an electronic sensor (instead of x-ray film) that captures and stores the digital image on a computer. This image can be instantly viewed and enlarged helping the dentist and dental hygienist detect problems easier.
Digital x-rays reduce radiation 90% compared to the already low exposure of traditional dental x-rays.
Not only are digital x-rays better for the health and safety of the patient, they are faster and more comfortable to take, which reduces your time in the dental office. Also, since the digital image is captured electronically, there is no need to develop the x-rays, thus eliminating the disposal of harmful waste and chemicals into the environment.
Even though digital x-rays produce a low level of radiation and are considered very safe, dentists still take necessary precautions to limit the patient’s exposure to radiation. These precautions include only taking those x-rays that are necessary, and using lead apron shields to protect the body.
If requested, the digital radiographs taken at the Dental Treatment Center in Brussels are sent by email to patients without any additional charges.
How are X-rays Used?
X-ray images, also called dental radiographs, are among the most valuable tools a dentist has for keeping your mouth and teeth healthy. By understanding what the structures of the mouth look like normally on an X-ray film, dentists can diagnose problems in the teeth and jaws. For adults, radiographs can:
- Show areas of periodontal bone loss, commonly known as gum disease, which is the main cause of tooth loss in adults
- Show areas of decay that your dentist may not be able to see with just a visual examination, such as tiny pits of decay that might occur between teeth
- Find decay that is developing underneath an existing filling
- Find cracks or other damage in an existing filling
- Reveal problems in the root canal, such as infection or death of the nerve
- Help your dentist plan, prepare and place tooth implants, orthodontic treatments, dentures or other dental work
- Reveal other abnormalities such as cysts, cancer and changes associated with metabolic and systemic diseases (such as Paget's disease and lymphoma)
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