Are dental x-rays important?

Concerns about getting frequent x-rays?

Without dental x-rays, dentists can’t see what’s going on below the gums or between the teeth. When patients don’t want to get x-rays, it limits our ability to know what’s going on with a patient’s mouth.

Why are some patients concerned about getting x-rays?

Patients are concerned about radiation exposure from dental x-rays, and in particular, too much radiation exposure. This type of exposure can be as a source of cancer and that worries some people.

How can digital x-rays be an answer to radiation concerns?

First of all, we offer what’s called digital x-rays. And they use about one-third of the amount of radiation that a traditional x-rays uses. In that respect, they limit the patient’s exposure to radiation.

What are digital x-rays?

Digital x-rays are a way that we can see what’s happening right away. They’re very accurate, much better than the film x-ray, and because they’re accurate, we don’t have to take quite so many of them.

What are the advantages of using digital x-rays?

You don’t have to wait to get x-ray film developed. We process digital x-rays immediately, and they are available for viewing. In addition, dentists can enhance the digital image. One way is to alter the contrast and brightness, and there are also other processing techniques. Dentists also can store the images on a computer through digital archiving. Because the images produced are larger photos, dentists have a better chance of detecting cavities that are hard to see. In addition, the process is more environmentally friendly. By comparison, the gray scale of the digital x-rays provides 256 shades of gray compared with 16-25 shades in traditional x-rays.

(Reference: Canadian Academy of Dental Hygiene)

Do you have concerns about getting dental x-rays?

Our friendly staff at Hutto Hippo Family Dental is happy help you and answer your questions. Through advanced technology such as digital x-rays, we can help you save time. We understand your time is valuable and strive to provide you with prompt service.

Give us a call to make an appointment. Our number is (512) 806-7740.