Digital X-Ray

Why do I need dental X-rays?

Dental X-rays are a critical tool for preventive dental care. Because a significant part of your teeth is invisible to the naked eye, X-rays allow Dr. Nili to check the inner and outer parts of your teeth carefully.

For instance, an X-ray can be helpful for Dr. Nili to monitor the insides of your teeth to see if they show signs of disease that may be lurking under a filling. She can also determine if there's any decay between your teeth. The best way to diagnose bone loss due to gum disease is with an X-ray.

With dental X-rays, Dr. Nili can diagnose dental conditions and plan the placement of dental implants, orthodontic treatments, and other dental procedures.

When should I have dental X-rays taken?

If you have good dental health, you should have standard bitewing dental X-rays every two to three years. More extensive X-rays are required every three to five years to monitor the health of the roots of your teeth and the surrounding bone.

Children need dental X-rays more often because of their growth rate. X-rays help dentists to determine if children’s teeth are emerging correctly and whether orthodontic treatment is necessary.

How safe are dental X-rays?

Dental X-rays are safe for patients of all ages and conditions. X-rays do require a small amount of radiation to create the images of your teeth and bones, but the amount of radiation needed is so tiny it puts you at almost no risk. Advances in dental technology have reduced the amount of radiation needed with every new iteration of a dental X-ray machine.

Dentists and their staff typically take 10-15 X-rays a day, and even though they step out of the room for the instant the image is made, they are still exposed to radiation. Even with this increased exposure, dental professionals do not get cancer at a higher rate than any other profession.

Pregnant women can still get X-rays. Dr. Nili shields you with a unique apron and thyroid collar as a precautionary measure.

If you are due for a dental checkup or haven’t had dental X-rays in more than two years, call or book an appointment online today.