A complete set of dental x-rays usually consists of 14 to 20 individual images and is typically recommended during the first visit with a new dentist. This helps the dentist make a proper diagnosis and plan treatment. A panorex is an x-ray of the entire mouth taken without ever placing an X-ray film on the mouth. For perspective, a single digital dental X-ray has 0.1 mrem of radiation and a set of 4 bites has 0.4 mrem.
Dental x-rays are essential for dentists to visualize diseases of the teeth and surrounding tissue that cannot be seen with a simple oral exam. They also help detect and treat dental problems early on, which can save money, hassle, and even lives. Patients have the right to have their x-rays taken anywhere they want, or to have them emailed to their new dentist. Comparing dental x-rays with environmental radiation is not accurate because environmental radiation does not forcibly enter the body.
To put dental x-rays into perspective, let's compare them with other sources of environmental radiation. In general, the amount of radiation you receive from dental x-rays is relatively small, especially compared to the radiation you receive from natural background sources. It's important to note that the amount of radiation exposure from an X-ray can vary between dental and medical procedures. If a patient has any questions or concerns before or after an X-ray procedure, they should ask their dental technician.
Provincial regulations also require dental offices to follow certain procedures when imaging is taken, such as placing lead aprons and neck collars on patients. Instead of projecting X-ray film into a dark room, the x-rays are sent directly to a computer and can be viewed on the screen, stored, or printed.It's important to remember that age and long-term exposure can put someone at greater risk of suffering the adverse effects of dental x-rays. To minimize exposure to X-rays, it's best to get a second opinion and a whole new series of x-rays if needed. Incompetence can lead to unnecessary extra x-rays being taken, so it's important to be aware of this risk.In conclusion, dental x-rays are essential for proper diagnosis and treatment planning.
They can help save money, hassle, and even lives if used correctly. It's important to remember that patients have the right to have their x-rays taken anywhere they want or emailed to their new dentist. The amount of radiation exposure from an X-ray can vary between dental and medical procedures, so it's important to ask questions if there are any concerns before or after an X-ray procedure.
