411 on X-RAYS

Happy “Tooth-Day”!

Good Day to all, Farah Flossit here:)

Here at Casa Smiles Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics http://www.casasmiles.com/, we take a conservative approach to dental x-rays. There is very little risk in dental X-rays. Pediatric dentists are especially careful to limit the amount of radiation to which children are exposed. Lead aprons and digital x-ray machines are used to ensure safety and minimize the amount of radiation. You can feel at ease that our doctors know when x-rays should be taken & when they are not necessary. I would like to start off this week’s report with some valid reasons dentists DO take x-rays.

Reasons WHY dentist take X-RAYS:

LOOK FOR DECAY BETWEEN TEETH: Sometimes decay isn’t visible to the naked eye & exists in areas the dentist cannot see.
CHECK FOR BONE LOSS ASSOCIATED WITH GUM DISEASE: Gum disease can cause bone loss and an x-ray will show who advanced it is.
CHECK FOR DECAY UNDER FILLINGS: Sometimes decay under filings can occur & can only be seen with an x-ray.
LOOK FOR INFECTION AT THE TIP OF THE ROOT: Infections can appear at the very bottom of your teeth where the bone is, which needs to be confirmed using an x-ray.
EXAMINE THE AREA BEFORE PROCEDURES: Dentists need a full view of the teeth & bone before procedures such as braces, implants & tooth removal.

Below you will find a helpful chart with some FAST FACTS about Dental X-Rays:

A common myth about Dental X-Rays is that they are particularly harmful because they are using radiation extremely close to the head & brain. Actually, no matter what part of the body it is, the amount of radiation emitted by a dental x-ray is too tiny to cause any damage. And, thanks to improvements in technology, modern dental x-ray machines (like the digital ones used here at Casa Smiles http://www.casasmiles.com/) focus radiation beams so that only your teeth are exposed.

If you ever have any additional questions or concerns about X-Rays, do not hesitate to ask your Dentist or Orthodontist.

Thank you for tuning in on today’s Happy “Tooth-Day’s” report!

I look forward to chatting with you all next week!

In the meantime, you can follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/casasmilespediatricdentistryandorthodontics?pnref=lhc. Instagram http://instagram.com/casasmiles/, Twitter https://twitter.com/casa_smiles, Yelp http://www.yelp.com/biz/casa-smiles-pediatric-dentistry-and-orthodontics-coral-gables & Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/casasmiles/ to hear all about our daily news! You can always call or email us with any questions, concerns, to make an appointment, or for a complimentary Ortho Consultation http://www.casasmiles.com/contact-us/.

Your Friend,

Farah Flossit (Special Agent Flossit)