The idea of needing a dental radiograph visit sounds far more intimidating than it actually is. Barclay Dental is very familiar with this process, and we’re committed to making sure our patients are both comfortable and informed during their appointments. Let’s go over what to expect from dental radiology during your yearly visit.
Why Are Dental X-Rays Important?
Dental X-rays provide critical insights into your oral health. They allow Dr. Salem and Dr. Meri to:
- Detect cavities between teeth or under existing fillings.
- Evaluate the health of your tooth roots and the surrounding bone.
- Assess damage from injury or trauma.
- Spot early signs of gum disease.
- Plan treatments like root canals, crowns, or dental implants.
By catching potential issues early, these X-rays can save you tons of time, discomfort, and money in the long run.
What Happens During Your Appointment?
If you’ve never been to see us, or it’s been a while, here’s an overview of how the process usually goes.
Step 1: Welcoming and Consultation: Upon arrival, our friendly team will welcome you and help with completing any paperwork or updates needed in your medical history. This is also a great time to ask questions or share concerns.
Step 2: Preparation for X-Rays: A team member will guide you to the X-ray room and help you comfortably settle into the dental chair. Although the use of lead aprons is no longer recommended by the MDA, they are available upon request.
Step 3: Taking the X-rays: We will position the X-ray machine close to your mouth. Depending on the type of X-ray needed, you might bite gently onto a plastic tab or place your chin on a rest for stability. The actual process takes only a few moments per image, and it’s totally quick and painless.
Types of Dental X-Rays You Might Experience
- Bitewing X-rays: These show your upper and lower back teeth and are excellent for spotting cavities.
- Periapical X-Rays: These give a detailed view of an individual tooth from crown to root.
- Panoramic X-Rays: Provide a comprehensive view of your mouth, including all teeth, jaws, and sinuses.
Step 4: Taking the X-Ray Images: An x-ray certified hygienist or dental assistant will step behind a protective barrier and capture the images. You’ll be instructed to stay extremely still, sometimes holding your breath for a couple of seconds to bear the clearest results.
Step 5: Immediate Review of Your X-Rays: One of the great things about digital dental X-rays at Barclay Dental is immediate availability. We will typically review the images right away, discussing findings with you promptly.
Step 5: Discussing the Results: After reviewing your images, we’ll talk about what we observed with you. This time is used to highlight any areas of concern and propose next steps if treatment is necessary.
Frequently Asked Questions
You might be curious about other aspects of dental radiology—and if you are, please don’t hesitate to ask us! Here is some more specific information about this important step in our diagnostic process:
Q: Are dental X-rays safe?
Yes, dental X-rays are very safe, especially compared to those of the past. Modern digital X-rays emit much lower radiation levels compared to traditional film X-rays. Our team also takes precautions, such as protective lead aprons, to minimize radiation exposure and guarantee your safety.
Q: Do dental X-rays hurt or cause discomfort?
Not at all—dental X-rays are quick, painless, and non-invasive. Occasionally, positioning the X-ray film holders in your mouth may cause a bit of temporary discomfort, but this is only for a very short time.
Q: Can pregnant women safely have dental X-rays?
This is a common concern for patients, but we’re glad to inform you that pregnant women are perfectly safe to receive dental x-rays that are necessary for treatment.
Q: Can dental X-rays detect oral cancer?
Dental X-rays can help identify suspicious areas or abnormal growths, prompting further evaluation. However, we primarily screen for oral cancer visually or manually during routine oral exams. X-rays are a complementary component to the visual examination, but are never solely relied upon for diagnosing cancer.
Q: Do I always need X-rays when visiting the dentist?
Not every visit to Barclay Dental will require X-rays. We will determine the need based on your oral health status, symptoms, and risk factors, while also considering when your last imaging was done. We perform regular screenings at scheduled intervals to help you proactively maintain oral health.
Taking A Clearer Picture
The use of dental radiology is common, safe, and offers us valuable insight into your oral health. It’s our lens into the parts of your smile we can’t see plainly, giving us a clear path for treatment. We hope to see you soon in Rochester Hills or Shelby Township for an appointment!