If you have a dental problem or gum disease, your dentist may recommend a dental x-ray. It helps them diagnose oral diseases that cannot be otherwise visualised with a routine oral exam. Dental imaging also enables the dentist to identify and treat dental problems early before it can cause severe problems – causing you more discomfort, pain and even your money.
But it is not surprising if you feel nervous getting a dental imaging done. What problems can it help detect? Are there any possible side effect? What are the risks of dental imaging? Where should I get dental imaging done? These are some questions that will come to your mind.
So, let’s get answers to the most commonly questions asked about dental imaging in India.
What Dental Problems Can X-Rays Detect?
Dental x-rays can be used by your dentist for various purposes in adults or children.
In adults, it can be used to:
- Identify areas of dental decay that may not be otherwise visible during an oral exam, particularly small spots of decay between teeth.
- Detect areas of decay beneath the existing dental filling.
- Show bone loss that may accompany gum diseases.
- Help in preparation of dentures, braces, tooth implants and other dental procedures.
- Identify any changes in the root canal or bones causes by an infection.
- Help detect an abscess, i.e., an infection between a tooth and the gum or at the root of a tooth.
In children, a dental x-ray can be used to:
- Identify tooth decay.
- Check if there is sufficient space to fit in all incoming teeth.
- Detect any developmental abnormalities like tumours or cysts.
- Understand if the child’s primary teeth is lost too early enough to allow his permanent teeth to come in properly.
Ask your dentist what is the key purpose of getting the x-ray done. This will provide you some peace of mind.
How is a Dental X-Ray Done?
You might feel worried thinking that dental x-rays are a complex and time-consuming process. However, they aren’t. Typically, these are the steps involved in dental imaging:
- You will be made to sit upright in a chair.
- The dental practitioner will then place a lead apron over your chest and also wrap a thyroid collar around the neck.
- The x-ray film or sensor will be placed in the mouth to capture detailed pictures of your teeth and gums.
The size of the sensor and location of its placement play an integral role in determining how comfortable or uncomfortable you will feel. A smaller mouth may make it little challenging to place a senor at the right position.
How Safe are Dental X-Rays?
Any type of x-ray involves exposure to radiation which is used to capture the images more precisely and in details. So, you may wonder how safe is a dental x-ray.
While prolonged exposure to radiation may damage the body’s cells and tissues, the dose of radiation during dental x-rays is very small – particularly if your dental practitioner is using digital imaging technology. Rapid advancements in dentistry have resulted in effective measures to reduce the risks associated with x-rays. For instance, using digital x-ray technology can reduce exposure to harmful radiation by up to 70% as compared to traditional imaging systems.
However, every bit of radiation exposure counts. And if you are worried about the extent of radiation you will be exposed to during dental x-rays, talk to your dentist. Ask if it is necessary to get an x-ray frequently. As per current health guidelines, one should get an x-ray only when required for clinical diagnosis.
Is Dental X-ray Painful?
Taking dental x-rays are never painful, though uncomfortable and awkward at times. However, if you have a pharyngeal reflex, let your dental technician know about it before taking the x-ray. This is especially true for children who are more prone to these types of reflex syndromes and may have a hard time with x-rays. But proper measures can be taken to keep pharyngeal reflex at bay during the procedure.
What are the Side Effects of Dental X-rays?
Dental x-ray is an integral part of dental practice and happens to be one of the most widely used radiological procedures performed for various types of oral examinations, including full mouth series, bitewings and panoramic views. However, during dental x-rays, you are exposed to relatively lower doses of radiation unless the procedure is not performed frequently.
But repeated exposure to x-ray may increase the risk of cancer, especially in the head and neck region. On the other hand, many scientists have expressed that there is no clear evidence of an association between dental diagnostic x-ray and increased risk of cancer in patients. This is because only a small dose of radiation is being used in the procedure which does not have any potential side effects.
Furthermore, digital x-ray is only recommended occasionally when an oral exam is not enough to diagnose the underlying problems. Therefore, the risk of radiation exposure is much lower. And with the use of modern digital technology today, the exposure count has reduced significantly. Hence, the potential side effects of digital imaging are negligible.
How Much Does Digital X-ray Cost?
The cost will vary depending on the dental clinic or imaging centre where you get the x-ray done. It also depends on the extent of your dental problem or gum disease, and the location of the mouth where the x-ray sensor needs to be positioned.
Where to Get Dental X-ray Near Me?
Since there is a risk of radiation exposure in dental x-ray, it must be done from a good imaging centre or dental clinic that has the experience, technology and certified technicians to perform the procedure safely and efficiently.
Looking for high-quality and reliable “dental x-ray near me”? Janta X-ray clinic has decades of experience performing dental x-rays with utmost safety and accuracy. We use cutting-edge digital x-ray technology that not only ensures highly precise images of your oral health but also reduces radiation exposure by up to 70%. Book dental x-ray at home anywhere in Delhi/NCR.
