X-rays pass through the soft tissues of the face & mouth (lips, cheeks, etc.) & are absorbed by the hard material of teeth & bone. This allows the dentist to see potential oral health issues that may not be easily visible to the naked eye. X-rays are used primarily to find cavities, but dentists also use them to look at tooth roots, the health of bone surrounding the tooth & to keep track of development in younger patients.
What Is A Digital X-Ray?
We offer in-office digital x-rays. Digital x-rays are computer-generated images via a small electronic sensor. With the advent of digital imaging, dentists have reduced the amount of radiation emitted from x-rays by about 90%, though the amount of radiation from old film-type x-rays was already low. Digital x-rays are very low-risk & have become the industry standard for discovering & diagnosing dental problems.
We still take every precaution to ensure your child’s safety, such as using lead aprons to shield their body. However, using x-rays is just as important to your child’s health. They help us find tooth decay, stop it as early as possible & prevent future dental issues. The dangers posed by cavities in your child’s teeth are much more serious than the few low risks from x-rays. If you want to learn more about x-rays & the imaging services we provide, please consult our staff.