Really, X-Rays again??

               There are times when a patient will ask this very question.  Radiographs (x-rays) are a very important factor to your dental health.  The American Dental Association recommends a full mouth series every three to five years and bitewings every one to two years.  An oral exam by the dentist and hygienist is vital to maintaining a healthy oral status but many problems are not visible to the naked eye.  Cavities in between teeth are almost impossible to detect without a bitewing x-ray.  In the same way, the bone level, which determines the presence of periodontal disease is visible on these same x-rays.  A periapical will show problems such as fractures or infection at the root of the tooth. Panoramic x-rays will show any jaw abnormalities, third molar or wisdom teeth, tooth development and other anomalies.

            Radiation is a concern to some patients.  At Lund Dental we use digital radiography which means that a patient is only getting one-third the radiation as opposed to a regular dental x-ray.  In actuality, one gets at least eight times the radiation flying from New York to LA than from an x-ray at our office!  The benefits definitely outweigh the hazards!  In addition, we always use a lead apron with a Thyroid collar for added protection.  If there are radiographs from a previous dentist, we always refer to those as well.

            X-rays, therefore, are a very important part of the dental visit.   At Lund Dental we are committed to giving each and every patient every benefit of their dental visit. We are diligent in our every day practices and feel that our use of dental x-rays are not only necessary but important to our patients dental health.