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Why
Do I Need X-Rays?
Radiographic or X-ray examinations provide your dentist with an important
tool that shows the condition of your teeth, its roots, jaw placement
and the overall composition of your facial bones. X-rays can help your
dentist determine the presence or degree of periodontal disease, abscesses
and many abnormal growths, such as cysts and tumors. X-rays also can show
the exact location of impacted and unerupted teeth. They can pinpoint
the location of cavities and other signs of disease that may not be possible
to detect through a visual examination.
Do
all patients have X-rays taken every six months?
No.
Your radiographic schedule is based on the dentist's assessment of your
individual needs, including whether you're a new patient or a follow-up
patient, adult or child. In most cases, new patients require a full set
of mouth X-rays to evaluate oral health status, including any underlying
signs of gum disease and for future comparison. Follow-up patients may
require X-rays to monitor their gum condition or their chance of tooth
decay.
What
kind of X-rays does my dentist usually take?
Typically,
most dental patients have "periapical" or "bitewing"
radiographs taken. These require patients to hold or bite down on a piece
of plastic with X-ray film in the center. Bitewing X-rays typically determine
the presence of decay in between teeth, while periapical X-rays show root
structure, bone levels, cysts and abscesses.
My
dentist has prescribed a "panoramic radiograph." What is that?
Just as a panoramic photograph allows you to see a broad view such as
the Grand Canyon, a panoramic radiograph allows your dentist to see the
entire structure of your mouth in a single image. Within one large film,
panoramic X-rays reveal all of your upper and lower teeth and parts of
your jaw.
Why
do I need both types of X-rays?
What
is apparent through one type of X-ray often is not visible on another.
The panoramic X-ray will give your dentist a general and comprehensive
view of your entire mouth on a single film, which a periapical or bitewing
X-ray can not show. On the other hand, periapical or bitewing X- rays
show a highly-detailed image of a smaller area, making it easier for your
dentist to see decay or cavities between your teeth. X-rays are not prescribed
indiscriminately. Your dentist has a need for the different information
that each radiograph can provide to formulate a diagnosis.
Should
I be concerned about exposure to radiation?
All
health care providers are sensitive to patients' concerns about exposure
to radiation. Your dentist has been trained to prescribe radiographs when
they are appropriate and to tailor radiographic schedules to each patient's
individual needs. By using state-of-the-art technology and by staying
knowledgeable about recent advances, your dentist knows which techniques,
procedures and X-ray films can minimize your exposure to radiation.
The Academy of General Dentistry is a non-profit organization
of more than 37,000 general dentists dedicated to staying up-to-date in
the profession through continuing education. A general dentist is the primary
care provider for patients of all ages and is responsible for the diagnosis,
treatment, management and overall coordination of services related to patient's
oral health needs. Learn more about AGD member dentists or find more information
on dental health topics at www.agd.org/consumer.
CONTACT:
Susan Urbanczyk, public relations manager, at 312.440.4308 or media@agd.org
or Jennifer Starkey, public relations coordinator, at 312.440.4341 or
media@agd.org.
NOTE:
Information that appears in General Dentistry, the AGD's peer-reviewed
journal, AGD Impact, the AGD's newsmagazine and related press releases
do not necessarily reflect the endorsement of the AGD.
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