Dental X-Rays

Gary Beavers, Dr.

X-rays give dentists valuable information to help determine the state of your dental health. They allow dentists to see the state of your teeth beneath the surface. X-rays are a form of energy that travels in waves. These waves can enter solid objects. If an object is dense, the waves are absorbed. If they are not, these rays are able to pass through. When a dentist takes x-rays, the rays pass through cheeks and gums, but are absorbed by teeth and bone which are much denser. When looking at the x-ray film, teeth and bones will be light white while gums will appear much darker in color. Fillings are even denser than bone so they will appear as bright white areas on the film. Cavities will appear on x-ray film as a dark spots in a light tooth.

These x-rays allow dentists to see tooth decay, abnormalities, bone decay, gum disease, cysts and tumors. There are two main types of x-rays: intraoral (inside) and extraoral (outside). Intraoral x-rays are those where the dentist or dental assistant asks you to open your mouth and then “bite down” on a hard piece of film. These x-rays give up close, detailed pictures of individual teeth. Extraoral x-rays are made with the film outside the mouth. These x-rays show the teeth and also the jaw and skull. They are also used for monitoring growth of impacted teeth.

Radiation can cause cell damage. Though X-rays used by dentists emit small doses of radiation, over time these small does can add up. Dentists take precautions to minimize their patient’s radiation exposure. They use lead shields, reduced doses of x-rays, improved film (requiring less exposure), and film holders to reduce film slipping. If you are pregnant it is important to tell your dentist because radiation exposure can pose a risk to the fetus. Dentists usually order x-rays on a first visit then only if needed on subsequent visits. If you change dentists, work with both dental offices to transfer the record of your x-rays so you will not have to take new ones.

A new type of x-ray technique is digital radiography. Traditional film is replaced with an electronic pad. The x-ray hits the pad instead of the film. This type of x-ray reduces radiation exposure by as much as eighty percent. This is a newer technology, but it is becoming increasingly popular.

If you live in the Cary, NC area and have any questions or concerns about your dental x-rays, call (919) 467-7717. During your next appointment at Gary Beavers, Dr., we will review your
medical history, examine your mouth and then determine whether or not you need x-rays.

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