X-Rays/Radiography
Dental x-ray examinations provide valuable information that helps evaluate your oral health. With the help of radiographs, Dr. Shaw can look at what is happening beneath the surface of your teeth and gums, see hidden abnormalities, infections and signs of gum disease.
If you are a new patient, Dr. Shaw takes radiographs to determine the present status of your oral health and to help identify changes that may occur later. If a previous dentist has any radiographs of you, we may request that copies of them be forwarded to our office.
The amount of radiation that you are exposed to from dental x-rays is very small compared to our daily exposure from this like cosmic radiation and naturally-occurring radioactive elements or the earth and atmospheric radiation.
If you are pregnant, as a precaution our office will refrain from taking routine x-rays. However, in an emergency situation, a radiograph may be needed for dental treatment that can't wait until after the baby is born. Because untreated dental infections can pose a risk to the fetus, dental treatment may be necessary to maintain the health of the mother and child. Radiation exposure resulting from dental x-rays is low, however, every precaution is taken to ensure that radiation exposure is as low as reasonably possible. A lead apron minimizes exposure to the abdomen and should be used when and dental radiograph is taken. Dental x-ray exams do not need to be delayed if you are trying to become pregnant or are breast feeding.
Radiographs can help detect problems in your mouth that otherwise would not be seen. Finding and treating dental problems at an early stage can save time, money and unnecessary discomfort.
Resource: American Dental Association
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