A general dentist is responsible for providing routine oral care to patients of all ages. Routine oral care typically involves cleanings, examinations, fluoride application, and x-rays. X-rays are typically the easiest part of routine oral care, however, they can often get skipped or overlooked. Keep reading to find out why a general dentist recommends getting dental x-rays on a regular basis.
Below is a quick overview of why regular x-rays are so important. Review this information when considering whether or not to undergo x-rays on a yearly basis.
General dentists recommend regular x-rays for patients of all ages for a number of reasons, including detection and prevention. While a traditional examination of the oral cavity does go a long way, x-rays in dentistry go longer. They provide the general dentist with a better view of the oral cavity, showing all angles, crevices, and hard-to-see areas. This can be extremely beneficial when trying to detect any abnormalities or imperfections that may be a sign of an infection or some other condition. A lot of oral health conditions are hard to detect without x-rays, which is why they are recommended regularly, at least once a year.
The other reason that general dentists recommend x-rays on a regular basis is for prevention. Aside from detecting oral health problems, the general dentist can use the x-rays to make preventive recommendations. For example, individuals that show signs of weak teeth or a shrinking jaw can undergo the necessary measures to put a stop to the progression of either problem. The general dentist can use the x-rays to outline a preventive plan to ensure that the patient remains in optimal health.
X-rays have been known to induce anxiety in some patients because of radiation exposure. However, they have been used for many years and a lot of research has been put into determining whether there should be a cause for concern. The conclusion of general dentists is that x-rays are safe and present a very low risk. In fact, patients may actually be less safe without x-rays as they play a vital role in helping patients maintain good oral health.
While the risks are known to be extremely low, there are a few things to know with the first being that general dentists typically advise against pregnant women getting x-rays. Additionally, it is not advised to have babies and toddlers undergo x-rays as they are still developing.
Want to know more about x-rays? Talking with a general dentist is the best place to start. Specific information can be provided to patients, which can be helpful to patients who are curious about x-rays. Additionally, patients can ask questions and go over any concerns that they have. Reach out today to find out more or to get scheduled for a consultation appointment.
Request an appointment here: https://www.chalfontdentalcare.com or call Chalfont Dental Care at (215) 239-6379 for an appointment in our Chalfont office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: General Dentist in Chalfont, PA.
If you are suffering from a toothache, the first thing you need to do is find out the cause of the pain and discomfort. If you know what is causing the pain, you will learn how to relieve that pain. You will also see if it comes with swelling and other symptoms. Keep reading to…
Done regularly, dental cleanings contributes to a person’s long-term oral health. Professional teeth cleaning removes plaque buildup, targeting hard-to-reach spots that you may miss when you brush and floss. Usually, professional dental cleaning takes place in two contexts, the first being a routine checkup. General dentists incorporate teeth cleaning into routine dental visits after they…
Thinking about getting an oral cancer sceening? Oral cancer screenings are a very important part of general dental care as they ensure the health of patient's oral cavity. They involve a few steps that are typically painless. Understanding the process of an oral cancer screening can be helpful for patients who are not sure what…
Dental bridges, also referred to as tooth bridges, are one of the most common ways to restore and replace teeth. They are used within general dentistry in order to improve a person’s oral and dental functionality. In this article, we discuss what a tooth bridge is and how it functions. This information can be helpful…
Thinking about getting an oral cancer sceening? Oral cancer screenings are a very important part of general dental care as they ensure the health of patient's oral cavity. They involve a few steps that are typically painless. Understanding the process of an oral cancer screening can be helpful for patients who are not sure what…
Dental bridges, also referred to as tooth bridges, are one of the most common ways to restore and replace teeth. They are used within general dentistry in order to improve a person’s oral and dental functionality. In this article, we discuss what a tooth bridge is and how it functions. This information can be helpful…