Dental X-Ray Safety: What You Need to Know in Charlotte, NC

by Elizabeth Smith

published March 1, 2024Last updated April 8, 2024

Are Dental X-Rays Really Necessary?

We get it; your health and safety, including your oral health, are important to you!

And while you do everything you can to live that truth, you may be questioning the safety of dental X-rays and whether they are truly necessary.

At Southpark Art Dentistry in Charlotte, NC, we understand the concerns surrounding these procedures.

Because of this, Dr. Elizabeth Smith and our team put your safety first, using cutting-edge tools and careful judgment.

To ease your concerns and help answer if dental X-rays are safe and necessary, let’s look at what purpose they serve for the dentist and the patient.

We’ll also break down the types of dental X-rays we use to provide our patients with the best quality care.

Importance of dental X-rays for diagnosis

Beyond a standard clinical dental examThis link leads to the Dental Exams Page, X-rays unveil critical aspects invisible to the naked eye.

At Southpark Art DentistryThis link leads to the Home Page, we emphasize the significance of dental X-rays in diagnosing conditions such as:

• tooth decay
• gum disease
• bone loss
• malignancies
• abscessed teeth

These issues could escalate without timely detection through X-rays, leading to more extensive and costly treatments.

Are dental X-rays safe? Unveiling the myths

Contrary to common misconceptions, dental X-rays are safe.

Our modern digital X-ray equipment exposes you to significantly less radiation than traditional radiographs did decades ago.

A full mouth series of dental X-rays exposes you to less radiation than a trans-continental flight across the United States.

Even a single tooth X-ray is equivalent to the radiation you receive from eating a banana. (But don’t spit up your smoothie: The dose of radiation from a single banana is far less than the background radiation from simply living on Earth.)

Frequency of dental X-rays: tailored to your needs

How often you need dental X-rays depends on things such as age, dental health, and medical history.

Dr. Smith customizes the approach based on your unique case.

A higher cavity risk or suspected infection may warrant more frequent X-rays. But, as they say, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

Dental X-rays during pregnancy: safety first

It’s not uncommon for pregnant women to wonder about the safety of dental X-rays.

While we prefer to delay X-rays until after birth, it is safe when necessary.

In dental emergencies, Southpark Art Dentistry employs an abundance of caution, double lead aproning the patient to minimize radiation exposure.

Timely dental care is crucial for pregnant individuals with toothaches or dental infections.

Types of digital dental X-rays: decoding the differences

Understanding the different types of digital dental X-rays is helpful.

Dr. Smith may recommend bitewing X-rays to detect decay between teeth, periapical X-rays for revealing abscesses, fractured roots, and root canal placementThis link leads to the Root Canal page, and panoramic X-rays to capture the entire upper and lower jaws.

Check out the list below to better understand the safety and utility of dental X-rays.

1. Bitewing X-Rays:
   – Purpose: Detail upper and lower teeth in one area.
   – Diagnostic Focus: Detect decay between teeth, changes in bone density due to gum disease, and assess crown fitting.
2. Periapical X-Rays:
   – Purpose: Reveal the entire tooth from the crown to below the root.
   – Diagnostic Focus: Detect abscesses and fractured roots and ensure proper placement of root canals.
3. Panoramic X-Rays:
   – Purpose: Capture the entire upper and lower jaws, sinus, and temporomandibular joint.
   – Diagnostic Focus: Reveal impacted wisdom teeth, detect malignancies or cysts, and provide a comprehensive view for critical assessments.

Each type of dental X-ray at Southpark Art Dentistry in Charlotte, NC, serves a specific diagnostic purpose, ensuring a thorough examination of your oral health.

These specialized X-rays play a crucial role in early detection, allowing for timely intervention and personalized treatment plans.

Southpark Art Dentistry: your trusted partner in dental health

At Southpark Art Dentistry in Charlotte, NC, we adhere to the highest standards of safety and careThis link leads to Our Difference Page.

Our digital X-ray equipment meets North Carolina Department of Health Services Radiation standardsThis link leads to the Radiation Standards Page, and our dental team is extensively trained to operate it.

You’re in safe hands! We prioritize your well-being by implementing protective measures, including lead aprons and disposable barriers.

Conclusion: elevate your dental health with Southpark Art Dentistry

Helping you understand the importance and safety of dental X-rays is paramount for proactive dental care and your overall health journey.

Our Charlotte, NC, office provides a safe and comprehensive approach to dental X-rays, ensuring timely diagnosis and personalized treatment plans to keep you healthy and smiling.

Elevate your dental health with the trusted expertise of Dr. Elizabeth Smiththis link leads to Doctor’s Page and our dedicated team at Southpark Art Dentistry.

• Update: This post has been updated and refreshed with the latest information to ensure you get the most current insights!