Why Do I Need X-Rays?
X-rays help your dentist to see things that are happening inside your mouth that might not be detected with just an examination. Early detection gives you the opportunity to treat certain issues with less invasive and costly procedures when you’re proactive about your oral health.
For example, we can see tooth decay developing in its very early stages with an x-ray, and this allows you to make changes to your home care that might reverse the situation before treatment is necessary.
How Safe Are Dental X-Rays?
At Lake Forest Smiles we utilize digital x-rays, and the number one reason is because they are safer and emit 90% less radiation than traditional x-rays. In fact, you would probably receive more radiation from a day spent out in the sun than you would from a digital x-ray.
They’re also better for the environment as there are no harsh chemicals required for development. Digital images are much clearer and readily available in seconds so we can discuss your treatment needs with you right away. They’re also easy to share or transfer to other health care providers we may be working with.
How Often Do I Need X-Rays?
For most patients, we recommend that a set of x-rays be taken once a year. This is typically done during one of your routine cleaning and checkups. Taking x-rays consistently also gives us a yearly baseline to look at as we monitor your oral health over the years.
If you’re experiencing dental pain or sensitivity, we may take a more specific x-ray of just one tooth to determine the cause of the issue.
Contact Lake Forest Smiles
At Lake Forest Smiles, we’re committed to making your experience at our office the best it can be, and utilizing state-of-the-art technology such as digital x-rays is one way we do this.
If you have questions or concerns about x-rays, or if it’s time to schedule your next appointment, give your dentist in Lake Forest a call today!