Dental X-rays are a part of a routine dental checkup to monitor the development of the teeth and gums and to detect disease or damage. Regular dental cleanings often include a digital X-ray too, if your current X-rays are outdated or if there is cause for concern. Some patients worry about the exposure to radiation associated with X-rays, but generally dental X-rays are safe for both children and adults when proper protocols are followed. The radiation dose from dental X-rays is relatively low, and advances in technology have significantly reduced the amount of radiation exposure compared to older methods.

The American Dental Association (ADA) supports the use of X-rays for both pediatric and adult patient care when they are used carefully and for appropriate reasons. The ADA encourages dentists to use the ALARA principle (As Low As Reasonably Achievable) to minimize radiation exposure. They also recommend the use of state-of-the-art, low-dose radiation technology that provides high-quality images with minimal radiation exposure.

Advantages of Low-Dose Dental X-Rays

Low-dose X-rays use advanced digital technology to reduce the amount of radiation exposure while still producing high-quality images. The advantages of low-radiation X-rays include:

1. Reduced Radiation Exposure: Low-radiation X-rays significantly reduce the amount of radiation to which patients are exposed, which is especially important for children and individuals who require frequent X-rays. Digital X-rays produce approximately 90% less dental X-ray radiation than traditional film X-rays.
2. Safety: With reduced radiation exposure, dental X-rays are safe, and the potential long-term risks associated with radiation exposure are minimized.
3. Faster Results: Traditional X-rays can take a few minutes to produce a clear image, while digital X-rays show details of your teeth on your dentist’s computer screen immediately in real time, leading to more efficient appointments.
4. Accurate Results: Low-dose X-rays work like a digital camera connected to a dentist’s computer. The X-rays capture the image and send it to our dentist’s screen immediately. The images are higher quality, clearer, more detailed, and more precise than those from traditional X-rays.
5. Better Diagnosis: Digital X-rays show even the tiniest details, enabling your dentist to reach a highly accurate diagnosis and provide more guided treatment.
6. Patient Comfort: The use of low-radiation X-rays may help alleviate patient concerns about radiation exposure, making them more comfortable during the imaging process.
7. Easier Access: Digital X-rays transmit through a computer screen so they are easy to access, save, and share with patients and other dental specialists.
8. Lack of Chemicals: Like a digital camera, low-radiation X-rays are chemical-free and safer.
9. Prevention: The precision of digital X-rays can help in the early detection of such dental conditions like infections, oral cancer, and gum diseases.

What Do Low-Radiation X-Rays Detect?

Low-radiation X-rays can detail a variety of dental issues, including:

1. Cavities: Caries between teeth or in areas not easily visible during a regular dental examination.
2. Bone Health: Bone density and health, helping to diagnose conditions such as periodontal disease or bone loss.
3. Impacted Teeth: If teeth are impacted (not fully erupted) or positioned in a way that might cause problems.
4. Infections and Abscesses: Infections, abscesses, or cysts in the oral and maxillofacial areas.
5. Tooth and Jaw Alignment: How the teeth and bite line up, and overall jaw joint health.

The advances in dental technology continue to evolve at an exciting pace, making X-rays safer and overall dental care more accurate and preventive. Newtown Dentistry is committed to integrating the latest tools and techniques to provide the highest level of personalized care for our patients—pediatric and adult. Our office has gone digital and high-tech, integrating low-dose digital X-rays, 3D digital imaging, artificial intelligence-guided dental systems, and more. Get the benefit of the latest in efficient, effective, comfortable dental care.

Schedule your appointment now. Or, call us anytime at (215) 774-5496.