10 Reasons why we use X-rays

As always, we are here to promote dental wellness on this lovely Monday.  One topic that always comes up over and over again is the debate of whether or not x-rays are safe.  

Here are 10 reasons why we use x-rays as a tool to provide you with the best dental care we can offer: 

1) They are excellent for detecting the tiniest of cavities.  This matters because when you care for caries before they become bigger, it's:

* less invasive

* less costly

* less likely to get infected

* less painful

1b) Also important is detecting cavities between teeth - which we cannot see from the eyes alone.

2) We went digital many years ago because they are lower in radiation than traditional x-rays - that means safer for you, safer for us.  In fact, there are many things that give off way more radiation than dental x-rays (like most flights) and we hook you up with protective gear before shooting.

3) We really only recommend x-rays about once every year-and-a-half to two years - depending on how susceptible you are to dental problems.  So, to elaborate on point #2, you really don't get exposed to excessive radiation.

4) Using the Panoramic X-ray (which is taken roughly every 3-ish years), we can see the way your wisdom teeth grow in and predict whether they'll live happily in your mouth, or if they'll cause trouble in the long run.  

Hint: If they're growing in sideways or crooked, they have the potential to:

* push your other teeth as they grow out - especially if you do not have enough jaw space

* grow half-way out and be a breeding ground for bacteria and infection

* cause pain from said infection

** Note that we have the equipment to take panoramic x-rays in-office, so it's really convenient for you

5) We can locate the source of pain and discomfort and treat it for you.  If you've ever had an abscess, well, our doctors would've shown you where the pain was coming from and then helped you drain it.

6) We're equipped with taking Cephalometric xrays, which is usually indicated in orthodontic cases.  Here, we're able to gather information about your:

* jaw structure

* bite

* what braces can do for your profile

**Note, we only take cephalometric x-rays when someone is expressing interest in getting braces.

7) It allows us to keep an eye on development of the teeth (and in certain cases, the jaw as well).

* Are they coming in straight?

* Are there adult teeth coming out?

* Are you genetically missing a tooth/some teeth

8) We can tell how healthy your roots are and if you'll need your nerves treated.  *Fingers crossed* that you will not need treatment on your nerves.

9) We can tell whether previous dental treatment is on it's way out and/or if it needs to be replaced.  For example: If a crown or filling doesn't connect smoothly with your tooth, it'll tend to "catch" food particles and will be difficult to clean - which means that your tooth is at risk for becoming more damaged.

10) The benefits outweigh the risks.  A visual inspection of your mouth misses about 80% of the decay that x-rays can detect.  Dental problems that aren't addressed and treated will only multiply - as we've already mentioned, lol - but we're trying to drive home a point. :D :D :D

If you haven't been x-rayed in a couple of years, call us to book an appointment to have an examination and xray from our dentists: (416) 226-6688.