Of all the technological advances in dentistry over the years, the advent and adoption of digital x-rays may be the most significant. Digital x-rays have changed the way we practice dentistry; they allow us to provide dental care more efficiently and with reduced exposure times.
Speed of care
While it still takes the same amount of time to prepare a crown or fabricate a temporary crown, the use of digital x-rays does reduce the overall time our patients have to spend in the chair. In the past, we had to wait 3-5 minutes for an x-ray to be processed; with digital x-rays, the image appears instantly for us to read and evaluate. In a procedure where multiple films may be needed (such as with a root canal or an extraction), the time can add up.
Safety
We understand that the thought of taking x-rays can provoke anxiety. Fortunately, digital x-rays reduce radiation risk significantly because the exposure time is much lower compared to traditional films. Even with digital x-ray technology, we still try to minimize the number of x-rays that we take, and we only take films when necessary.
How Often Should X-Rays Be Taken?
A Full Mouth Series of X-Rays (x-rays of all of your teeth) should be taken approximately every 3-5 years in order for us to properly assess the health of the bone supporting your teeth, and to evaluate the teeth for cavities and infections.
We will usually take four checkup X-Rays at least once per year so we can check the spaces in between your teeth for potential tooth decay and monitor your bone levels and risk for periodontal disease. It’s important to note that how often we take x-rays is based upon your individual dental status. People with a history of cavities or periodontal disease will likely need x-rays more often than someone who has never had a cavity or has not been diagnosed with gum disease. Similarly people with an extensive number of fillings and crowns may also require more x-rays compared with someone who has never had a filling, simply because fillings and crowns need to be monitored to make sure they are still healthy.