Dental radiographs (X-rays) are an important diagnostic tool that provides valuable information not visible during a regular dental exam. Dentists and dental hygienists use this information to safely and accurately detect hidden dental abnormalities and complete an accurate treatment plan. Without X-rays, problem areas may go undetected.
Dental X-rays may reveal:
- Abscesses or cysts
- Bone loss
- Cancerous and non-cancerous tumours
- Decay between the teeth
- Developmental abnormalities
- Poor tooth and root positions
- Problems inside a tooth or below the gum line
Detecting and treating dental problems at an early stage can save you time, money, unnecessary discomfort, and your teeth!
Are dental X-rays safe?
We are all exposed to natural radiation in our environment. The amount of radiation exposure from a full mouth series of X-rays is equal to the amount a person receives in a single day from natural sources.
Dental X-rays produce a low level of radiation and are considered safe. Dentists take necessary precautions to limit the patient’s exposure to radiation when taking dental X-rays. These precautions include using lead apron shields to protect the body and using modern, fast film that cuts down the exposure time of each X-ray.
How often should dental X-rays be taken?
The need for dental X-rays depends on each patient’s individual dental health needs. Your dentist and dental hygienist will recommend necessary X-rays based on the review of your medical and dental history, dental exam, signs and symptoms, age consideration, and risk for disease.
A full mouth series of dental X-rays is recommended for new patients. A full series is usually good for three to five years. Bite-wing X-rays (X-rays of top and bottom teeth biting together) are taken at recall (check-up) visits and are recommended once or twice a year to detect new dental problems.
Obligations of Radiation Health Qld:
Radiation Health is the Queensland government’s radiation safety agency. Radiation Health is a unit within the Division of the Chief Health Officer. The department has in place measures to promote safety and minimise health risks and protection of the environment when using ionising and non-ionising radiation equipment.
Radiation Health administers Queensland’s Radiation Safety Act 1999 and the Radiation Safety Regulation 1999.
Granite Belt Dental has registered with the Radiation Health:
- Intra – Oral Radiation Safety Plan
- Extra – Oral Radiation Safety Plan
Copies of these plans are located at both our Warwick and Stanthorpe practices.
