Dental radiographs (x-rays) are essential, preventative, diagnostic tools that provide valuable information not visible during a regular dental exam.  Dentists and dental hygienists use this information to safely and accurately detect hidden dental abnormalities and complete an accurate treatment plan.  Without x-rays, problem areas may go undetected.

Dental x-rays may reveal:

• Abscesses or cysts
• Bone loss
• Cancerous and non-cancerous tumors
• Decay between the teeth
• Developmental abnormalities
• Poor tooth and root positions
• Problems inside a tooth or below the gum line

Detecting and treating dental problems at an early stage can save you time, money, unnecessary discomfort, and your teeth!

Are dental x-rays safe?

It is now possible to take dental x-rays exposing the patient to as little as one-tenth the amount of radiation of older, conventional x-rays. This is done with the use of digital x-rays that don’t use film and don’t need chemicals for development. Sensors plates instead of film are placed in the patient's mouth. These plates are the same size as conventional x-ray film. After exposure and scanning, the image appears on a computer screen in just seconds. The resultant digital pictures are as clear as conventional film x-rays. They also provide a lot of information that was not available before. CorinthDental uses the ScanX Imaging System manufactured by AirTechniques.

How often should dental x-rays be taken?

The need for dental x-rays depends on each patient’s individual dental health needs.  Your dentist and dental hygienist will recommend necessary x-rays based on the review of your medical and dental history, dental exam, signs and symptoms, age consideration, and risk for disease.

A full mouth series of dental x-rays is recommended for new patients.  A full series is usually good for three to five years.  Bite-wing x-rays (x-rays of top and bottom teeth biting together) are taken at recall (check-up) visits and are recommended once or twice a year to detect new dental problems.