Dental x-rays are a common and important part of dental care. They help the dentists at Drs of Smiles Gentle Family Dentistry of Mesa, AZ diagnose problems early before they become more serious. Drs. Scott LeSueur, Glenn LeSueur, and Charles Dodaro will only take x-rays when necessary to monitor oral health and wellness. They may also use dental x-rays to check for the source of a problem, such as pain or infection. However, dental x-rays do emit radiation, so it is vital that patients take the proper steps to protect themselves when having these images completed at our office.
Should I be worried about dental x-rays?
Most people don’t need to worry about dental x-rays. The doses of radiation from dental x-rays are low, and the risks are very small. Still, if you’re pregnant or think you might be pregnant, tell your dental team immediately. You might want to wait until after your baby is born to have x-rays. Our dental staff also uses lead aprons that can protect the rest of the body from radiation exposure. This is just an extra step to reduce exposure to radiation from dental x-ray machines.
Why do we need dental x-rays?
Your dental team at Drs of Smiles Gentle Family Dentistry in Mesa, AZ, may recommend dental x-rays in a variety of situations. Dental x-rays can show:
- The current positioning of teeth to plan for treatments such as orthodontia and dental implants
- A view of the inner areas of the tooth, such as the canals, to look for infections and other concerns
- Finding underlying infections and abscesses that may require treatment from a dental professional
- The bone of the jaw, which is helpful in determining if patients are proper candidates for bone grafting or dental implants
How do I find out more about both preventative and diagnostic dentistry?
If you live in the area of Mesa, AZ, and want to speak to our team of professionals about your oral health needs, connect with us today by calling 480-834-6991. We are conveniently located and are currently accepting new patients and families into our office for comprehensive dentistry. This includes preventative, cosmetic, and restorative care for patients of all ages!