To X-Ray or Not to X-Ray?

And with that, a dental hygienist sticks a piece of plastic into your mouth for four or more x-rays. Most people don’t protest, but they may wonder if they’re really necessary. And if they’re safe. The words radiation and x-ray don’t exactly have a good connotation. I’m here to fix that.

X-rays, (or PA’s, or bitewings, or FMX as you might hear a dentist, hygienist, or assistant say) are an important part of dental care. A mirror and explorer can only do so much to diagnose a dental issue. Cavities between teeth (which can be prevented or at least controlled by regular flossing- but that’s another blog), an infection in the root, and numerous other things can be diagnosed or more properly understood if there is an x-ray to examine.

“Ok”, you might say, “a dentist can see if I need a cavity filled because of it. But between the big apron put on me, and the way they run out of the room to take it, I’m a little concerned about radiation and its effects.”

The radiation level used to take dental x-rays is very low. If the x-rays are digital, the level is even lower. (Guess which kind we at Doyle Dental use?) That apron or bib that covers you protects you from the minimal amount that you will be exposed to. Think about how you may wear a kitchen apron to protect yourself while you cook even though only a little spaghetti sauce splashes on you.

And why does the dentist or hygienist leave the room? Well, they aren’t wearing an apron. On top of that, throughout the day, a dentist or hygienist may take dozens of x-rays. Multiply that by 5 or 6 days a week, 52 weeks a year, the risk to them is higher. But you’re sitting underneath a protective cover, and only getting a few every year.

You may ask, “When do I need them taken?” Out of the two cleaning visits per year, x-rays will be taken at one. Every five years, it’s time for an FMX, or Full Mouth Series. This involves taking more x-rays focused on more specific areas in the mouth. The more commonly taken bitewings are just a series of four, two on each side.

But what if you wake up with a toothache? Well, call us at Doyle Dental, and we’ll schedule you for an appointment. At that appointment, expect the dentist to take one or two x-rays. By doing this, they can see if maybe a cavity is causing discomfort, or if there is another, more serious issue, such as an infection.

Here at Doyle Dental in Carmel, we have a professional staff who are experts at taking x-rays. So don’t worry, sit back, relax, and bite. They do all the work. And if you’ve been flossing, you may have nothing to worry about… but we’ll talk about that next month.

Just let them know if you have a bad gag reflex.